Slipping through the safety net. Adolescent health / sex education

This article briefly identifies immigrant services that pertain to health and sexual matters in Italy. Italy has 683,600 foreigners who are officially registered as immigrants; 1.2% of total population. Most immigrants have limited tourist, student, or work visas. The Italian constitution provides for health care for all its citizens. A 1978 law spells out guarantees of adequate health care without discrimination. The Martinelli Law of 1990 provided for adequate health care for non-nationals living in Italy, who can show proof of employment and residence every December 31st. A new law in February 1998 guarantees regular health care to every non-national legally working or studying in Italy, living in a family context, and without a criminal record. The government has not been able to provide sufficient services for the 12,500 immigrants living in Genoa. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) try to fill the gap in services for immigrants by providing care to about 2000 women aged 18-30 years annually. At least 60% of immigrants receiving care from NGOs come from Latin America, 20% come from Eastern Europe, and 20% come from North and sub-Saharan Africa. Most are treated for emergency care due to violent accidents at home or work. Others desire reproductive health services, including contraception and abortion. The Italian Family Planning Association Clinic serves well-adjusted legal immigrants. The central hospital, in Genoa, served 1143 non-nationals in 1995. Almost 20% had psychiatric emergencies. Many immigrants are not official and thus miss out on primary health care.