Saúde e fronteira(s): uma análise no acesso aos serviços disponibilizados às gestantes e parturientes das cidades gêmeas de Bela Vista/BR e Bella Vista Norte/PY

Abstract

The central problem of borders in the context of space and health involves physical and bureaucratic barriers that hinder equitable access to health services for cross-border populations. In border regions, such as the twin cities of Bela Vista/BR and Bella Vista Norte/PY, these difficulties are aggravated by cultural diversity, socioeconomic inequalities, and the fragmentation of the health systems of the countries involved. This reality deepens inequalities in access to health, especially for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and women in labor, who often encounter additional difficulties in accessing quality and continuous medical care. However, there is a gap in the literature on the specific understanding of the challenges faced by pregnant women in border areas. Given this scenario, this study aims to understand access to health services made available to pregnant women and women in labor in the cities of Bela Vista/BR and Bella Vista Norte/PY. This study also aims to examine the modes of access to these services, identifying their specific characteristics and differences, as well as to understand the socio-spatial dynamics of these localities and the extent to which they contribute to inequalities in access to maternal healthcare. Furthermore, it seeks to apprehend the historical process of socio-spatial formation in the region. To achieve these objectives, the following methodological procedures were adopted: individual semi-structured interviews with 12 (twelve) pregnant women, 6 (six) Brazilian and 6 (six) Paraguayan, in addition to interviews with health professionals from the two twin cities; analysis of official documents, as well as collection and examination of secondary data from other studies that contributed to the research, in addition to participatory observations carried out at health care locations. The results of the research show that access by pregnant and parturient women to health services is complex and influenced by several factors, including geopolitical issues, population demand, availability of resources, search for government benefits and better living conditions. The challenge, therefore, lies in creating mechanisms for cross-border integration and cooperation that can mitigate these barriers and ensure that the right to health is fully guaranteed and accessible to all women, regardless of their nationality or place of residence.