Young migrants and sexual and reproductive healthcare

Young people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including migrants, refugees and international students, are at heightened risk of poor sexual and reproductive health. However while they have varied and sometimes complex health needs, these are often overlooked, and sexual and reproductive health services underutilised. This chapter reviews key issues relating to the sexual and reproductive health of young people from diverse migrant backgrounds, and emphasises the importance of appropriately engaging them through culturally sensitive approaches to sexual health promotion and service provision. Focusing on Australia as a case study in contemporary multiculturalism, it explores the complexities of designing effective healthcare systems that take into account their varied experiences and backgrounds, and reviews approaches to the promotion of sexual and reproductive health for these diverse communities. Reflecting on the mechanisms employed to engage culturally diverse young people with sexual and reproductive services, the chapter reinforces the importance of a youth-friendly setting and the promotion of cultural competence in sexual healthcare.