Family Planning for Guatemalans Living in Poverty

Nancy's shift began early that morning as she prepared for the jornada (clinic day) performing tubal ligations when two women from the community of Livingston, from the Izabal Department arrived. They had traveled for hours by boat, supported by WINGS, which covered their fares and arranged accommodation. Nancy knew this trip wasn’t just a physical challenge for them—it was emotional. She made sure they felt as comfortable as possible. Leaving their homes and trusting WINGS amidst so many difficulties was an act of faith.

The women, tired but determined, sat quietly in the waiting room. They were strong, but Nancy could see how much this journey meant to them. “I never thought I’d make it here,” one of them said with a shy smile as Nancy took her blood pressure. 

That day, both women received the treatments they desperately needed. “If it weren’t for WINGS, I don’t know when I’d have been able to come,” one confessed. Family planning services in their community were nearly non-existent. The nearest health center was miles away and often lacked contraceptives, which were rarely available.

After her operation, one of the women said before leaving, “I’ll tell all my friends about you.” She felt happy, calmer, and for the first time in a long time, like she had control over her life.

This wasn’t Nancy’s first time helping women who had waited too long for a contraceptive method that never reaches their communities. It’s hard to imagine that, in a country so rich in culture and diversity, so many women still face huge obstacles to accessing basic healthcare. But thanks to the work of WINGS and nurses like Nancy, things are beginning to change—one patient at a time. More women are returning to their communities with hope, knowing they’re not alone in their fight for health and rights.