Adolescents and young people traveling through Mexico face multiple barriers when trying to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights. These challenges extend beyond physical distance and are closely linked to social stigma, limited access to comprehensive sexuality education, and administrative restrictions that hinder access to essential healthcare services and contraceptive methods.
In response to this issue, the project “Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults in High-Migration Contexts” has been launched. The initiative was approved under the 2025 Scientific and Humanistic Research Call for Strategic Axes, under code PEE-2025-G-774.
The study highlights that sexual and reproductive health needs vary depending on how long young migrants remain in Mexican territory. International mobility intensifies existing challenges related to healthcare availability and quality of care. Currently, healthcare providers often lack adequate training to address the specific needs of migrant youth. In addition, limited medical supplies and legal barriers continue to restrict full access to healthcare rights.
The research focuses on listening directly to those experiencing migration firsthand. The research team will analyze how sociodemographic factors influence healthcare access among individuals aged 18 to 29. Fieldwork will take place in strategic locations in southern Mexico, including Tapachula, Chiapas, and the Isthmus region of Oaxaca. The methodology combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Surveys and interviews will be conducted with young people in transit to document their experiences directly. Information will also be collected from workers at public institutions and migrant shelters. The process includes consultations with public policy experts and researchers specializing in health and migration issues. This multidisciplinary approach aims to identify the real barriers faced by migrant youth.
The findings will help identify the personal and structural circumstances that make seeking healthcare more difficult. This information will support the development of concrete recommendations to strengthen healthcare programs and public policies.
Finally, communication materials containing practical and accessible information will be produced for both the general public and people in transit. In this way, the knowledge generated by the project will contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals crossing Mexican borders.
SOURCE: https://insp.mx/
