The lack of access to condoms in Cuban pharmacies is not just another indicator of the country's crumbling healthcare system; it poses a direct threat to the lives of many young women. With a shortage of contraceptives and pregnancy tests, an increasing number of young people are facing unintended pregnancies that often result in clandestine abortions, carried out with dangerous homemade concoctions and practices.
A recent report by the state-run newspaper Periódico 26 highlights testimonies that are far from isolated, revealing a widespread issue in provinces like Las Tunas. Take the case of Anlly—a pseudonym to protect her identity—who chose to "solve the problem" quickly without medical supervision. Under the guidance of an aunt, she consumed a homemade mixture of plants, beer, and aspirin and was instructed to repeatedly throw herself off a table. These actions resulted in her being hospitalized, severely bleeding, and her life in jeopardy.
Dr. Maritza Páez Suárez, the Deputy Director of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Ernesto Guevara Hospital, confirmed that these illegal abortions are not rare occurrences. "The majority of patients arriving at the hospital after ingesting these concoctions suffer from severe intoxications. Some end up in intensive care; others have had their reproductive organs severely damaged," warned the specialist. In the worst-case scenario, a 12-year-old girl lost her uterus and ovaries, leading to early menopause.
The Role of Misoprostol and Illegal Practices
Dr. Páez also warned about the circulation of the drug Misoprostol on the Cuban black market, available even on platforms like Revolico. Although it is used for medical abortions, using it without medical supervision can lead to serious complications. "We keep some adolescents hospitalized to monitor their progress. I urge families not to take unnecessary risks," she cautioned.
In Cuba, there is an institutional network to safely terminate pregnancies, including menstrual regulation consultations and dilation and curettage services at hospitals such as "Guevara." However, access to these services becomes restricted when the pregnancy is beyond 10 weeks, leading many young women to resort to homemade methods out of fear or misinformation.
Challenges in Accessing Contraceptives
The shortage of condoms, birth control pills, and pregnancy tests—unavailable in pharmacies but sold at exorbitant prices on social media—exacerbates this desperate situation. "It's no secret that these items are found online at prices far beyond the reach of the average professional," the report notes. In this context, prevention is not a viable option for many families, a problem the regime has failed to address within the state-run pharmacy network.
Dr. Páez lamented that, once hospitalized, many young women and their families withhold vital information about what they ingested or did, complicating treatment efforts. "Only when they see her intubated do they start talking, which delays our work," she explained.
Amidst this grim reality, Dr. Páez emphasized the need for coordinated action among schools, families, and the healthcare system. While her remarks attempt to highlight the importance of institutional support, the stark reality she describes—teen pregnancies, homemade abortions, dangerous medication, and mutilations—lays bare the deterioration of Cuba's healthcare system and the vulnerability of women in the country.
In a Cuba where self-protection becomes increasingly difficult, many young women risk their lives amid fear, improvisation, and silence. Because even the right not to become a mother is not guaranteed when the state fails to provide even the most basic necessities: a condom.
In 2024, the management of the Diez de Octubre University Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital, known as Hijas de Galicia, in Havana, reported that four women arrived in shock at the hospital's emergency room within just 10 days due to illegal abortions. The misuse of Misoprostol, a prostaglandin intended for medical abortions and meant to be used exclusively in a hospital setting, was highlighted in the report.
Understanding Cuba's Healthcare Crisis
What are the main causes of the healthcare crisis in Cuba?
The healthcare crisis in Cuba is primarily due to the lack of medical supplies, ineffective governmental policies, and a failing economic system that impacts the availability of essential services and goods.
How does the shortage of contraceptives affect Cuban youth?
The shortage of contraceptives leads to an increase in unintended pregnancies among Cuban youth, often resulting in clandestine and unsafe abortions due to the lack of access to safe medical procedures.
What risks are associated with the misuse of Misoprostol in Cuba?
Misusing Misoprostol without medical supervision can cause severe health complications, including shock, excessive bleeding, and damage to reproductive organs, especially when used in non-hospital settings.