What does sexual and reproductive health mean?

The International Conference on Population and Development Pogramme of Action defines reproductive health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system.

Men and women should be able to enjoy a satisfying and safer sex life, have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decie if, when, and how often to do so.

This requires informed choice and access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable health-care services that prevent and solve sexual and reproductive health problems.

Our reproductive rights

Couples and individuals have the rights to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children.

People are entitled to have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health.

Everyone has the right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence.

Our sexual rights

Sexual rights embrace certain human rights that are already recognised in national laws and international human rights documents. These include the right of all persons, free of coercion, discrimination and violence, to:

• the highest attainable standard of health in relation to sexuality, including access to sexual and reproductive health care services.
• have access, seek, receive and impart information in relation to sexuality;
• sexuality education;
• respect for bodily integrity;
• choice of partner;
• decide to be sexually active or not;
• consensual sexual relations;
• consensual marriage;
• decide whether or not, and when to have children;
• pursue a satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life.

The Challenges

Issues related to sexuality and reproduction are sensitive and connected to ideologies, social institutions, cultural beliefs and practices, and personal identities.

Countries and cultures have various understandings and positions on sexual and reproductive health.

The main challenge is to build a world where all people are able to enjoy their fundamental right to live free of discrimination and fear, regardless of factors such as their sexuality, gender and age.