Female political prisoners in Myanmar face severe reproductive health crisis due to prison abuse and malnutrition

Mizzima

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) reported on 18 February that thousands of female political detainees across Myanmar are suffering from serious menstrual disorders and reproductive health complications.

According to the report, extreme stress, physical abuse, and chronic malnutrition within the prison system have led to widespread hormonal imbalances. Many women have reported amenorrhea the total absence of periods for three to six months, while others suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) triggered by the harsh conditions.

Prison authorities bear a special obligation to provide healthcare tailored to women’s biological needs, AAPP said.

Access to menstrual products remains a critical issue for women in detention, and ensuring regular menstrual health must be treated as a priority.

Female inmates across multiple prisons are grappling with health complications stemming from mental and physical abuse, with premenstrual dysphoric disorder emerging as the most common condition, according to a former political prisoner and female Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) health worker.

Women in detention are reportedly given only painkillers such as Diclofenac and paracetamol to manage menstrual cramps, a practice that risks long-term complications including kidney damage.

Some female political prisoners require medical examinations and even surgery for gynaecological conditions after their release, according to AAPP.

A political detainee who developed amenorrhea while in custody lodged complaints with prison authorities over the shortage of medication and the absence of a female doctor, but no action was taken, AAPP said.

Prison authorities, AAPP said, are downplaying prisoners’ suffering and denying requests for transfers to external hospitals.

AAPP said that female prisoners’ menstrual health problems are worsened by harsh prison conditions, abuse, malnutrition, limited access to drinking water and sanitary products, and poor hygiene, factors that can trigger infections and hormonal imbalances.

The challenges faced by women in prison represent not only a violation of human rights but also a long-term reproductive health crisis that could affect the well-being of an entire generation.

AAPP urged local and international organizations to closely monitor the situation and apply strong pressure on the authorities involved.

Data from AAPP reveals that of the 22,783 individuals incarcerated for political reasons across Myanmar, 4,308 are women.