MUSLIM WOMEN’S SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS: EVIDENCE FROM THE UNITED STATES, IRAN AND MALAYSIA

Sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) are basic rights of everyone. However, not every woman around the world is able to enjoy these rights. This study explores Muslim women’s SRHR experiences in the United States, Iran, and Malaysia. The views of 969 Muslim women were surveyed. Respondents were approached in the United States, Iran, and Malaysia between October and December 2013. Specifically for the case of the United States, the Muslim women surveyed are considered as those residing in the US (MWRIU). Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Of the MWRIU, Iranian, and Malaysian respondents, 97.9%, 10.4%, and 7.2% were found to have experienced SRHR violation, respectively. The logistic regressions showed significant differences among the three countries in terms of experiencing SRHR violation (P 0.001). The multiple logistic analysis revealed that violation against respondents’ SRHR was associated with education level [pre-tertiary (aOR=2.2, P=0.006) tertiary] and marital status [married (3.3, P=0.009) divorced/widow]. While the violation of Muslim women’s SRHR is widespread in the United States, it is minimal in Iran and Malaysia. Efforts to eliminate this violation are urgent, specifically in the United States; and they should target married women with low education level.