A Comparative Analysis of Women’s Health in Latin America and the United States: Geographical Context and Preventative Actions

Cervical cancer, breast cancer, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy complications, and gender-based violence are dangers faced by women everywhere. However, the severity of these risks can increase significantly due to a country’s geography, government control, and level of development. This thesis expands upon information gained directly from on-site experiences with medical professionals and locals (including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and patients) in Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, and further research to look at Latin America as a whole, in relation to the United States. Both the US and Latin America exhibit problems with their healthcare systems. The United States is more equipped at responding to emergency patient needs and preventing deaths by cervical and breast cancer than Latin America - largely due to higher levels of education and a more structured government. Latin America has a much more diverse geographical region than the United States and therefore exhibits a wider range of health concerns for its inhabitants - specifically for those in isolated communities in the Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest. Future actions require increased education on women’s health in Latin America and additional laws protecting the rights of women in those countries.