Table of Contents
Overview
Definition of Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sexual and reproductive health is defined as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. This definition emphasizes that sexual health is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity, but rather encompasses a holistic approach to well-being in the context of sexual and reproductive matters.[5.1]Importance of Sexual and Reproductive Health
Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities, encompassing physical, emotional, mental, and social health aspects related to sexuality and reproduction [1.1]. It includes services such as access to contraception, fertility care, maternal and perinatal health, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and education on healthy relationships [2.1]. Recognizing SRH as a vital healthcare component is essential, as it significantly influences individuals' quality of life and health outcomes [3.1]. Achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is vital for meeting Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5, which focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting gender equality [4.1]. Addressing violence against women is also crucial for improving reproductive health outcomes, highlighting SRH's interconnectedness with broader social issues [4.2]. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in advocating for SRH and ensuring access to safe abortion services. However, their influence on abortion law reforms and the disparities in access to SRH services, particularly for marginalized communities, requires further examination [6.1]. Adequate training and information on sexual health topics for healthcare providers are essential to create a supportive environment for discussing sensitive issues and facilitating access to necessary services [7.1]. Despite advancements in women's reproductive health, significant disparities persist, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. These disparities are exacerbated by social and structural factors, including limited neighborhood health services, inadequate insurance coverage, and practitioner biases [9.1]. Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving access to reproductive health services for underserved populations [9.2]. Integrating sexual and reproductive health services into broader public health initiatives can enhance access and outcomes for marginalized communities. This integration not only addresses immediate health needs but also promotes autonomy over reproductive choices and access to comprehensive care [12.1]. Countries that have successfully integrated SRH services into universal health coverage (UHC) have reported increased accessibility for marginalized populations, underscoring the importance of such initiatives [14.1].History
Key Milestones in Reproductive Health
Key milestones in the history of sexual and reproductive health are marked by significant international conferences and the evolution of legal frameworks. A pivotal moment occurred in 1994 with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which initiated a fragmentation period in the United Nations' development agenda. This period was further defined by the adoption of General Comment 22 on the Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health by the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) in 2016, emphasizing the integral nature of these rights within the broader context of health.[45.1] The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, also plays a crucial role in this timeline by advocating for universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, thereby garnering support from pro-choice organizations.[40.1] The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality, highlighting its importance as a public health issue. In England, for instance, local councils invested approximately £534 million in sexual, reproductive, and HIV services in 2021, underscoring the significance of this area within public health spending.[41.1] Despite these advancements, challenges persist in achieving universal sexual and reproductive health rights. A study by Fang et al. illustrates that diverse political, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts across countries complicate global consensus on health indicators, leading to conflicting interpretations of sexual and reproductive health and rights.[42.1] Advocates face numerous barriers, including legal, procedural, and social obstacles, which hinder the full realization of these rights for millions, particularly women and girls.[46.1] The General Comment No. 22 acknowledges these challenges while affirming that sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of the right to health.[46.1] The importance of promoting gender equality and human rights within sexual and reproductive health programs has been recognized in various international agreements, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.[50.1] Historical movements for gender equality have significantly influenced current policies and practices in this field, providing valuable lessons for advancing women's rights today.[53.1] The ongoing commitment to these issues is essential, especially in light of the competitive environment for health resources exacerbated by global economic crises.[55.1]Recent Advancements
Digital Technology in Sexual and Reproductive Health
The integration of digital technology in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) has seen significant advancements, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of digital health solutions in overcoming barriers to access and provision of SRH services.[89.1] Digital health encompasses a wide range of services, including eHealth and mobile health (mHealth), which have expanded globally, facilitating the delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare through online platforms and telehealth.[89.1] Recent innovations include online testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which has nearly doubled the uptake of STI tests, and e-contraception, allowing individuals to order oral contraceptives online.[87.1] Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in SRH, addressing geographic and social barriers to accessing services and enabling self-use of products, such as medication abortion, supported by remote care.[87.1] These digital interventions have been shown to be acceptable and feasible across various cultural contexts, targeting diverse populations and improving health-seeking behaviors.[87.1] Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the promising role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the efficiency of SRH services, which is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to sexual and reproductive health.[86.1] However, the application of AI also raises ethical concerns, necessitating a careful approach to ensure that its deployment prioritizes human rights and ethical governance.[95.1] The WHO's technical brief on AI in SRH emphasizes the need for ethical frameworks to guide the development and implementation of these technologies, ensuring they serve the public benefit and address disparities faced by marginalized populations.[95.1]Telemedicine and Remote Care
Telemedicine has emerged as a significant advancement in the field of sexual and reproductive health, particularly in response to the ongoing polarization of reproductive rights in the United States. In 2023, state legislatures proposed and enacted various legislation concerning reproductive rights, which highlighted the disparities in access to care across the nation. The Center for Reproductive Rights reported that nearly 2,000 bills were tracked, focusing on issues such as abortion, maternal health, and assisted reproduction, reflecting the complex landscape of reproductive health care access.[93.1] Furthermore, the 2024 State Legislative Wrap-up report indicated that state laws on reproductive health care continue to illustrate a divided nation, with access to care becoming increasingly unequal.[94.1] This context underscores the importance of telemedicine and remote care as vital tools for improving access to reproductive health services, particularly in areas where traditional healthcare options may be limited or restricted due to legislative changes. By leveraging technology, telemedicine can help bridge gaps in care, ensuring that individuals have the necessary resources to manage their reproductive health effectively.Access And Barriers
Socioeconomic Barriers to Reproductive Health Services
Barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services are significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors, which create unique challenges for individuals, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Economic constraints, such as the high cost of services and lack of insurance, are primary obstacles that prevent many from obtaining essential reproductive health care, including contraception and abortion services.[134.1] These financial barriers are compounded by logistical issues, such as difficulties in securing appointments and reaching clinics, especially for those without regular healthcare providers.[123.1] Social and cultural influences further complicate access to reproductive health services. Stigma associated with sexual and reproductive health, often rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, can discourage individuals from seeking necessary care.[135.1] This stigma is particularly challenging for adolescents and young people, who face additional barriers due to societal perceptions related to their age.[135.1] Moreover, systemic inequities disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities, limiting their access to health services and contributing to significant disparities in reproductive health outcomes.[133.1] Women of color, in particular, encounter compounded disadvantages due to fewer available neighborhood health services and racial bias within healthcare systems.[133.1] The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these socioeconomic barriers, highlighting the vulnerabilities of low- and middle-income populations in accessing sexual and reproductive health services.[135.1] Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to reproductive health services. Initiatives like the QARE for Teens project aim to enhance the quality of care and access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, emphasizing the need to dismantle both economic and social barriers to facilitate better access to necessary health services.[139.1] These efforts underscore the importance of targeted strategies to overcome the unique socioeconomic challenges faced by marginalized groups.[136.1]Impact on Marginalized Groups
Marginalized groups, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, face significant disparities in access to sexual and reproductive health services. Reports indicate that Black individuals are three times more likely than White individuals to die from pregnancy-related causes, highlighting the severe impact of systemic inequities in healthcare access and outcomes.[142.1] Furthermore, legal barriers, such as restrictive abortion laws, disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic individuals, as well as those with low income or lack of health insurance, exacerbating existing health disparities.[142.1] The existing entitlement structure of Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing reproductive services to low-income women and women of color. Legislative proposals that threaten this structure, such as block grants or funding caps, could undermine access to essential reproductive health services, further entrenching disparities.[143.1] Additionally, legal and social barriers that impede access to safe abortions are detrimental to the health and survival of women and girls, necessitating urgent policy reforms to ensure access to safe abortion services.[144.1] Community engagement initiatives, such as the Community Approaches to Reducing Sexually Transmitted Disease (CARS) program by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasize the importance of involving marginalized populations in health strategies. These initiatives aim to address locally prioritized social determinants of health and promote STD prevention, screening, and treatment.[125.1] By leveraging existing community platforms and encouraging active participation from affected populations, these approaches can enhance sustainability and improve the effectiveness of health interventions.[126.1] Moreover, addressing stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care is essential for improving access for marginalized groups. Community-based approaches can identify contextually relevant strategies to transform inequitable gender norms and enhance the uptake of HIV-related services.[127.1] Despite progress in women's reproductive health, significant disparities remain, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities, necessitating targeted solutions to remove social and structural barriers that hinder access to reproductive health services.[132.1]In this section:
Global Perspectives
International Frameworks and Agreements
International frameworks and agreements play a crucial role in shaping sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally. The Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-2030) emphasizes the necessity for countries to implement essential interventions aimed at preventing sexually transmitted infections and ensuring their effective management, thereby reinforcing the importance of comprehensive health services in achieving SRHR goals.[195.1] The evolution of reproductive health as a concept has been closely linked to broader social and political movements, particularly concerning women's rights and access to healthcare. The Beijing Platform for Action, established during the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, called for comprehensive policies that address women's reproductive rights, including access to family planning, prenatal care, and education about sexual and reproductive health. This platform expanded the discourse beyond reproductive health to encompass critical social issues such as violence against women and gender-based discrimination, advocating for legal reforms that support women's rights.[162.1] Despite these advancements, SRHR are increasingly under threat in various regions, with laws, funding limitations, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic creating significant barriers to access. These challenges impede progress toward gender equality and the realization of SRHR for women and girls.[160.1] The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the need for innovative strategies to address these issues, including research on the transformative role of artificial intelligence and the development of new contraception methods, which are essential for strengthening health systems and enhancing positive pregnancy and childbirth experiences.[176.1] Furthermore, advocacy and legal strategies have proven effective in advancing SRHR in diverse cultural contexts. A report by the Center for Reproductive Rights highlights successful case studies from 13 countries where legal guarantees for abortion, maternal health, and adolescent services have been established through concerted advocacy efforts.[192.1] These examples underscore the importance of tailored approaches that consider local cultural dynamics while promoting universal access to SRHR.[194.1]Role of Gender Equality in Reproductive Health
Gender equality plays a crucial role in shaping access to sexual and reproductive health services, significantly influencing the effectiveness of these services. Studies indicate that social norms are adopted and internalized at a young age, which strongly affects how adolescents manage their reproductive health choices. This highlights the importance of understanding the influence of societal norms on the access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among perceived adolescents.[163.1] Gender norms, particularly those affecting women, often manifest as barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health education and services. Common issues include parental refusal, stigmatization, and social exclusion, which can limit women's decision-making power regarding contraceptive use and adherence to pregnancy monitoring.[164.1] Furthermore, cultural beliefs can create taboos around reproductive health issues, leading to societal attitudes that discourage open discussions about these topics, thereby impacting healthcare access.[168.1] Discrimination and stigma also play significant roles in hindering access to reproductive health services. For instance, individuals facing stigma related to sexual orientation or HIV status may encounter barriers that prevent them from seeking necessary care.[165.1] Community-based approaches that address stigma and discrimination are essential for transforming inequitable gender norms and improving the uptake of sexual health services.[166.1] Moreover, disparities in access to reproductive health services are particularly pronounced among racial and ethnic minorities. Reports indicate that women of color face significant barriers, including fewer neighborhood health services and practitioner-level biases, which exacerbate existing health inequities.[169.1] Addressing these social and structural factors is vital for ensuring that all women, especially those from underserved communities, can access reproductive health services without facing discrimination or bias.[169.1]In this section:
Education And Awareness
Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is essential for equipping young people with accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health, which is critical for their health and survival.[202.1] CSE plays a pivotal role in reducing unplanned pregnancies, preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and empowering individuals to build healthy, respectful relationships.[203.1] Furthermore, with early sexual debut, marriages, and childbearing prevalent in many regions, addressing adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights is imperative to prevent critical gaps in knowledge and services.[204.1] Despite the recognized importance of sexual and reproductive health education, challenges persist, including insufficient coordination and funding, which hinder comprehensive service delivery.[201.1] Low awareness of reproductive and sexual health remains a significant issue, with less than 40% of adolescents possessing accurate family planning information and under 20% having comprehensive knowledge of STI/AIDS prevention.[201.1] This underscores the necessity for effective CSE programs that not only provide information but also foster the skills, attitudes, and values needed for young people to make informed decisions regarding their health and relationships.[202.1] Moreover, health education programs targeting adolescents have been shown to increase their propensity to seek further information from reliable sources, such as families and teachers, thereby enhancing their understanding of sexual health.[205.1] The development of standardized tools, such as the Sexuality Education Review and Assessment Tool (SERAT), aims to assist governments in evaluating the effectiveness and quality of sexuality education curricula.[208.1] These assessments are crucial for ensuring that CSE programs meet the needs of young people and contribute positively to their sexual and reproductive health outcomes.Community Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement
Community involvement and stakeholder engagement are critical components in the development and implementation of effective sexual and reproductive health education programs. To ensure that curricula are culturally sensitive and inclusive, it is essential to involve the community in the development process. This includes using inclusive language and representing a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and experiences, as well as addressing controversial topics with care and respect.[227.1] The recognition of the lack of accessible and inclusive information for urban youth and sexual minority groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, has increased in recent decades. This highlights the need for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) that is responsive to the unique challenges faced by these populations.[228.1] Organizations like Plan International advocate for comprehensive sexuality education for all children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with civil society to improve access to quality, inclusive, and age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health services.[229.1] Inclusive sex education in schools is particularly important for LGBTQ+ youth, who often face unique challenges regarding their sexual health and well-being. Educational materials must include representations of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment.[230.1] Grassroots movements and community organizations play a vital role in advocating for policy changes in sexual and reproductive health education. These organizations mobilize resources and advocate for policies that address gender-based violence and discrimination, ensuring equal access to life-saving services and information.[231.1] The current trends, including youth-led activism and the climate crisis, further emphasize the need for reform in sexual and reproductive health rights.[232.1] The successes in advancing sexual and reproductive rights are often attributed to the relentless advocacy of grassroots organizations in collaboration with community partners and supportive politicians.[233.1] Community-based organizations (CBOs) are instrumental in delivering sexual health education to adolescents, aiming to decrease the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and unintended pregnancies.[234.1] When supported with adequate information, training, and resources, CBOs can significantly contribute to the promotion of sexual health among young people.[235.1] To enhance the effectiveness of these organizations, it is recommended that programs and interventions consider a modular approach to content education, allowing for the reflection of the mission and values of the organizations involved.[236.1] This collaborative effort among community stakeholders is essential for fostering a comprehensive and inclusive approach to sexual and reproductive health education.In this section:
Health Outcomes
Maternal and Child Health
Maternal mental health is a critical factor influencing both maternal and child health outcomes. Research indicates that maternal mental health problems during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm labor and low birth weight, even when accounting for various socioeconomic and physical health factors.[255.1] Poor mental health during pregnancy has been linked to a range of negative consequences for children, including developmental disorders and long-term neurodevelopmental issues.[256.1] Perinatal mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, are prevalent and contribute substantially to maternal mortality as well as adverse outcomes for infants and children.[258.1] Addressing these psychological health conditions is essential, as they are associated with long-term cardiovascular issues for mothers and intergenerational effects on offspring.[258.1] Integrating routine psychological health screening and treatment into maternal care can mitigate these risks, potentially improving both pregnancy outcomes and maternal cardiovascular health.[259.1] The integration of mental health services within maternal and child health programs is seen as a promising approach to enhance overall health outcomes. Such integration can provide a holistic framework that addresses both mental and physical health needs, thereby improving the quality of care for mothers and their children.[260.1] Creating a supportive environment where women feel safe to discuss mental health challenges is crucial for effective care delivery.[261.1] In resource-limited settings, improving maternal health services requires a multifaceted approach. Strategies include enhancing standardized monitoring and identifying optimal implementation practices to translate research findings into effective maternal care.[272.1] Collaborative efforts among multidisciplinary teams can advance evidence-informed practices and quality improvement initiatives aimed at measurable outcomes for maternal and infant health.[273.1] Moreover, prioritizing equity within health systems is essential for improving maternal health outcomes. This involves acknowledging the impact of systemic racism on health, investing in staff education, and fostering collaboration with community stakeholders.[274.1] A dual focus on increasing access to skilled delivery care while simultaneously improving the quality of preventive and emergency maternal health services is necessary to optimize health outcomes in lower-resource settings.[275.1]Impact of Sexual and Reproductive Health on Overall Well-being
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a critical component of overall well-being, encompassing a wide range of services and issues that significantly affect individuals' health outcomes. It includes access to contraception, fertility care, maternal and perinatal health, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and education on healthy relationships, all of which are essential for maintaining physical, mental, and social health.[245.1] Research indicates that sexual health is not only vital for reproductive functions but also plays a significant role in enhancing quality of life and longevity.[245.1] The importance of SRH is further underscored by its recognition as a fundamental human right, which is essential for achieving broader public health and development goals.[252.1] The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the necessity of ensuring universal access to SRH services, highlighting its role in promoting health equity and improving health outcomes globally.[252.1] However, in many regions, particularly in the Arab world, SRH remains poorly addressed, leading to significant barriers in accessing necessary services and education.[251.1] This lack of access can result in adverse health outcomes, such as increased rates of unplanned pregnancies and STIs, particularly among marginalized populations.[262.1] Moreover, the intersection of human rights and SRH is crucial for improving health outcomes, especially in marginalized communities. Women's sexual and reproductive health is linked to various human rights, including the right to life, health, privacy, and education.[264.1] Addressing these rights through gender-transformative approaches can dismantle harmful norms and empower individuals, thereby enhancing their reproductive and sexual agency.[265.1] Effective public health programs that integrate SRH within primary health care are essential for ensuring that these rights are upheld and that individuals can access the services they need without discrimination.[266.1]References
[1] Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) & SRHR — Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to all aspects of sexuality and reproduction. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is a combination of sexual health and reproductive health.
[2] Sexual and reproductive health and rights - World Health Organization (WHO) — Sexual and reproductive health refers to a broad range of services that cover access to contraception, fertility and infertility care, maternal and perinatal health, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), protection from sexual and gender-based violence, and education on safe and healthy relationships.
[3] Sexual and reproductive health for all: 20 years of the Global Strategy — Sexual and reproductive health should never be relegated to the margins of healthcare, but recognized as critical for the overall well-being of individuals and the communities in which they live.
[4] PDF — Additionally, the strategy highlights the importance of preventing and responding to violence against women for improving reproductive health outcomes. Achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is a key component to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5.
[5] Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH) — Sexual health According to the current working definition, sexual health is: "…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.
[6] The role of healthcare providers in expanding legal abortion ... — While healthcare providers have been recognized as key health advocates, including for sexual and reproductive health and rights and access to safe abortion, 23, 24 the specific role of healthcare providers in influencing abortion law reforms should be further studied to effectively mobilize these key players in the field.
[7] Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare - ScienceDirect — It is therefore essential that providers receive adequate information and training on sexual health topics, given their crucial role in creating a comfortable space to discuss the sexual health care topics and treatment.
[9] Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Reproductive Health Services and ... — Despite significant strides in women's reproductive health, disparities in access and outcomes remain, especially for racial–ethnic minorities in the United States.1–4 Reports document decades-long racial–ethnic disparities in several areas of reproductive health, including contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infection care and human papillomavirus vaccination among younger women aged 18–25 years,5 reproductive cancers,6 preterm deliveries and low-birth-weight neonates, and maternal morbidity and mortality.7 Data suggest that the disproportionate risk for women of color for reproductive health access and outcomes expand beyond individual-level risks and include social and structural factors, such as fewer neighborhood health services, less insurance coverage, decreased access to educational and economic attainment, and even practitioner-level factors such as racial bias and stereotyping.1,4,8 The Center for Reproductive Rights describes this racial–ethnic gap as a human rights issue and suggests that, “several U.S. policies may exacerbate these disparities by disproportionately burdening access to health care for women of color.”4 Solutions that lead to increased access for women must remove these social and structural barriers so that women, especially underserved racial and ethnic minority women, may access and utilize reproductive health services as needed without clinician bias or other obstacles.9
[12] PDF — Reproductive health care is a human right—everyone deserves access to a full spectrum of reproductive health care, services, and education. This includes autonomy over reproduction and the ability to decide if and when to have children, as well as access to care and support for reproductive conditions, functions, and stages of life.
[14] The integration of sexual and reproductive health and rights into ... — The experience of countries that have integrated SRH services into UHC shows an increase in accessibility of services for marginalised populations. 15 The health of women and adolescents across the life course remains the main aim of FIGO, which has adopted an SRHR perspective to widen the scope and coverage of healthcare provision in order to
[40] History of Sexual Health - News-Medical.net — The latest 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2015) does mention universal access to both sexual and reproductive healthcare services, thus winning the approval of pro-choice organizations
[41] The history of sexual health - ADPH — The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexual health as 'a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality'. It is an important area of public health and the current investment in England in sexual, reproductive and HIV services by local councils is around £534 million - the third largest area of public health spend. In England in 2021, over four million
[42] Sexual and Reproductive Health Goals and the 2030 Global Agenda for ... — A study by Fang et al in China focuses on the notion that diverse political, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts in different countries lead to challenges in global agreement on health indicators and result in conflicting interpretations, particularly with regard to sexual and reproductive health and rights. 11 For example, although China
[45] Women'S Reproductive Rights and Their Scope Under International Legal ... — In process of time, in 2016, the General Comment № 22 related to Article 12 of the International Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights 1966, also has given emphasis to the right to sexual and reproductive health.
[46] General Comment #22 on the Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health — The new General Comment recognizes that while the right to sexual and reproductive health is an integral part of the right to health, due to numerous legal, procedural, practical and social barriers, the full enjoyment of the right to sexual and reproductive health remains a distant goal for millions of people, particularly women and girls.
[50] How Are Gender Equality and Human Rights Interventions Included in ... — The importance of promoting gender equality and human rights in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes and policies has been affirmed in numerous international and regional agreements, most recently the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
[53] Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment ... - Wiley Online Library — This paper analyses the role of feminist mobilizing in formulating the gender equality agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the goal (5) to ‘achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’ and gender-related targets across other SDGs. It explores how three key drivers shaped its contours and the effectiveness: (1) context of socioeconomic and political environment; (2) institutions; and (3) the processes of movement building. The first driver, the issues and environment, includes both the core issues that engage feminists (e.g. equality, development, human rights, violence against women (VAW), sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), financing, loss of livelihoods, informal work, ‘care’ economy), as well as the larger economic, political and social environment (e.g. structural adjustment, neoliberalism, South–North tensions, conflict, global warming) of the time.
[55] PDF — impact on their sexual and reproductive health.25 Accountability The ICPD Programme of Action recognizes that enhanced accountability to all populations, particularly underserved and marginalized populations, is essential within reproductive health programming.26 Accountability is critical for ensuring that
[86] Sexual and reproductive health rights in the era of artificial ... — WHO's recent technical brief on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) rights provides a timely exploration into an increasingly digital future of health-care delivery.1 This brief underscores the promising role of AI in enhancing service efficiency, a crucial step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3.7 and 5.6—ensuring
[87] Using Digital Technology for Sexual and Reproductive Health: Are ... — Recent developments in the SRHR field include the provision of online testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that have been shown to almost double the uptake of STI tests1 and e-contraception whereby the oral contraceptive pill can be ordered online.2 Telemedicine in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) can overcome geographic or social and behavioral barriers to accessing services and facilitate self-use of products or services.3 It has been used to support medication abortion and facilitate distribution of abortifacient pills backed up by remote care and support.4 Interventions targeting a range of populations and SRHR topics across different cultural contexts have been shown to be acceptable to the end user and feasible to implement.4–8 Interventions can be designed to be accessible across socioeconomic groups and to those at high risk.2,9,10 Improvements in knowledge and contraceptive or health-seeking behavior have been demonstrated.6,11–13 However, not all studies show benefits, as exemplified by the Reiss et al.
[89] Digital provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare: promising but ... — Provision of sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) via digital services has seen an exponential expansion globally. This increase has been even more evident in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital health is a broad umbrella term encompassing eHealth and includes online platforms and mobile device-based telehealth (mHealth). Benefits to healthcare delivery by these methods include
[93] Center Releases 2023 State Legislative Wrap-up Report — Legislation on reproductive rights and access proposed and enacted by state legislatures in 2023 reflected the continued polarization of the nation, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights' new 2023 State Legislative Wrap-up report.. The Center tracked and examined nearly 2,000 bills in state legislatures across the country addressing topics on abortion, maternal health, and assisted
[94] Center's 2024 State Legislative Wrap-up Finds Laws Continue to Reflect ... — State laws on reproductive health care continue to reflect a divided nation, with access to care in the United States more unequal than ever. This is among the trends cited in the Center for Reproductive Rights' new 2024 State Legislative Wrap-up report, which focuses on bills related to abortion, maternal health care, and assisted reproduction.
[95] Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health — Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health Ethics and governance of artificial intelligence for health While new technologies that use artificial intelligence hold great promise to improve diagnosis, treatment, health research and drug development and to support governments carrying out public health functions, including surveillance and outbreak response, such technologies, according to the report, must put ethics and human rights at the heart of its design, deployment, and use. The report identifies the ethical challenges and risks with the use of artificial intelligence of health, six consensus principles to ensure AI works to the public benefit of all countries. Global health ethics
[123] The importance of access to comprehensive reproductive health care ... — Barriers to women's reproductive health care access, particularly for termination of pregnancy, are increasing at the local, regional, and national levels through numerous institutional, legislative, and regulatory restrictions. Lack of access to reproductive health care has negative consequences for women's health. Twelve women's health care organizations affirm their support for access
[125] Critical Elements of Community Engagement to Address Disparities and ... — Community Approaches to Reducing Sexually Transmitted Disease (CARS), a unique initiative of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, promotes the use of community engagement to increase sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention, screening, and treatment and to address locally prioritized STD-related social determinants of health within communities experiencing STD disparities, including youth, persons of color, and sexual and gender minorities. These stakeholders include community members with their real-world experiences and perspectives, outside experts (e.g., administrators, practitioners, and clinicians from governmental and nongovernment institutions, including public health departments and clinics) with their broad experiences and perspectives based in ongoing service delivery, and research partners with their understanding of theory, research, and program evaluation.14–17 Community engagement can ensure more informed understandings of health and health-related phenomenon, including the determinants of health that underlie disparities, and more authentic community-driven strategies to promote health and prevent disease.
[126] Community Group Engagement - HIPs — Community group engagement interventions should assess the extent to which existing community platforms and groups include active participation of marginalized and/or affected populations. Using existing social infrastructure—both formal and informal— encourages sustainability and improves the possibility of effective replication and scale-up.
[127] Eliminating stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health ... — Eliminating stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care: a public health imperative - PMC The discrimination faced by Brazilian men living with HIV who wish to have children,6 and stigma and abuses experienced by women who have sex with women in Lesotho7 are only two examples of past articles, so this themed journal issue simply serves to call further attention to the inescapable importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care. Community-based approaches to address adolescent sexual and reproductive health stigma in families, communities, and various healthcare settings can identify contextually relevant strategies for transforming inequitable gender norms to improve uptake of HIV-related services.18 Low expectations among women seeking abortion care have implications for effective practice, and Makleff et al.
[132] Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Reproductive Health Services and ... — Despite significant strides in women's reproductive health, disparities in access and outcomes remain, especially for racial–ethnic minorities in the United States.1–4 Reports document decades-long racial–ethnic disparities in several areas of reproductive health, including contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infection care and human papillomavirus vaccination among younger women aged 18–25 years,5 reproductive cancers,6 preterm deliveries and low-birth-weight neonates, and maternal morbidity and mortality.7 Data suggest that the disproportionate risk for women of color for reproductive health access and outcomes expand beyond individual-level risks and include social and structural factors, such as fewer neighborhood health services, less insurance coverage, decreased access to educational and economic attainment, and even practitioner-level factors such as racial bias and stereotyping.1,4,8 The Center for Reproductive Rights describes this racial–ethnic gap as a human rights issue and suggests that, “several U.S. policies may exacerbate these disparities by disproportionately burdening access to health care for women of color.”4 Solutions that lead to increased access for women must remove these social and structural barriers so that women, especially underserved racial and ethnic minority women, may access and utilize reproductive health services as needed without clinician bias or other obstacles.9
[133] Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Reproductive Health Services and ... — Despite significant strides in women's reproductive health, disparities in access and outcomes remain, especially for racial–ethnic minorities in the United States.1–4 Reports document decades-long racial–ethnic disparities in several areas of reproductive health, including contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infection care and human papillomavirus vaccination among younger women aged 18–25 years,5 reproductive cancers,6 preterm deliveries and low-birth-weight neonates, and maternal morbidity and mortality.7 Data suggest that the disproportionate risk for women of color for reproductive health access and outcomes expand beyond individual-level risks and include social and structural factors, such as fewer neighborhood health services, less insurance coverage, decreased access to educational and economic attainment, and even practitioner-level factors such as racial bias and stereotyping.1,4,8 The Center for Reproductive Rights describes this racial–ethnic gap as a human rights issue and suggests that, “several U.S. policies may exacerbate these disparities by disproportionately burdening access to health care for women of color.”4 Solutions that lead to increased access for women must remove these social and structural barriers so that women, especially underserved racial and ethnic minority women, may access and utilize reproductive health services as needed without clinician bias or other obstacles.9
[134] Changes in the Frequency and Type of Barriers to Reproductive Health ... — Such documented barriers are wide ranging and include cost or lack of insurance, difficulty obtaining an appointment or reaching a clinic, not having a regular physician, and fear of lack of confidentiality of services.3,4,5 Difficulty accessing a clinic has been well documented as a leading, and potentially insurmountable, barrier to abortion6 and other reproductive health services, with previous research suggesting that challenges in making an appointment and/or reaching a clinic are primary barriers for many individuals seeking contraceptive services.5 Additionally, previous studies have highlighted that barriers to reproductive health services often disproportionately affect historically marginalized groups.4,7,8,9 Such individuals often experience many of the aforementioned barriers to a far greater extent.7 One study of adolescents found that individuals who identified as a gender and/or sexual minority or as Asian or Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian were more likely to report experiencing 5 or more barriers to reproductive health services than the reference group.4 The same study found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), and other (LGBTQ+) adolescents were more likely to report cost and confidentiality as barriers to care than non-LGBTQ+ youths.4 As barriers to reproductive health services can result in delays in or inability to receive care, it is important to assess and track national trends in the numbers and types of barriers being experienced by individuals of reproductive age.
[135] Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and ... — Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Rights Among Adolescents and Young People During COVID-19 Pandemic: Culture, Economic, and Gender Perspectives | Current Tropical Medicine Reports Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Rights Among Adolescents and Young People During COVID-19 Pandemic: Culture, Economic, and Gender Perspectives Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Rights Among Adolescents and Young People During COVID-19 Pandemic: Culture, Economic, and Gender Perspectives This narrative synthesis is aimed to highlight the current gender, cultural, and socioeconomic dynamics fueling inequalities to accessing sexual, reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services among adolescents and young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Rights Among Adolescents and Young People During COVID-19 Pandemic: Culture, Economic, and Gender Perspectives.
[136] Improving Access to and Quality of Sexual and Reproductive Health ... — Equitable access to high quality adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services can help reduce unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and disparities in these outcomes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Reproductive Health, has a long history of working to improve access to and quality
[139] PDF — Improving Access to and Quality of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents in the United States Anna W. Brittain, MHS, Riley J. Steiner, ... has a long history of working to improve access to and quality of ASRH services through ... was effective at improving several ASRH best practices among participating health centers
[142] Health Care Access and Reproductive Rights - JAMA Network — Nationally, Black individuals are 3 times more likely than White individuals to die of pregnancy-related causes. 3 Legal interference with evidence-based abortion counseling and care will disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic individuals as well as all persons for whom low income, lack of health insurance, or other life circumstances (eg
[143] How Threats to Medicaid Impact Reproductive Health Disparities — The existing entitlement structure of Medicaid is essential to its ability to provide reproductive services to low-income women and women of color. Legislative proposals for ?block grants? or ?funding caps? would dangerously undermine the entitlement structure. Women of reproductive age experience a variety of health disparities, and heavily rely on Medicaid to prevent unintended pregnancies
[144] Why restricting access to abortion damages women's health — Legal and social barriers that impede access to safe abortions are detrimental to the health and survival of women and girls; thus, constructing policies ensuring access to safe abortion services should be an urgent priority. Placing undue hurdles between women and access to abortion care is associated with undesirable health outcomes.
[160] What Are the Major Threats to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights? — Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are under attack or restricted in many parts of the world, impeding progress toward achieving gender equality.. Laws, lack of funding, limited resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial barriers all stand in the way of women and girls' ability to access the health care and resources they need to thrive.
[162] Defining Sexual and Reproductive Health: Global Perspectives and ... — The evolution of reproductive health as a concept has closely mirrored broader social and political shifts, especially in terms of women’s rights, population control, and access to healthcare. The conference called for policies and services that would enable individuals to exercise their reproductive rights, including access to education, healthcare, and services related to sexual health, as well as the elimination of gender-based violence. The Beijing Platform for Action called for comprehensive policies to address women’s reproductive rights, including access to family planning, prenatal care, and education about sexual and reproductive health. The Beijing Conference expanded the conversation beyond just reproductive health to include broader social issues such as violence against women, gender-based discrimination, and the need for legal reforms that support women’s rights.
[163] Understanding how social norms influence access to and utilization of ... — These studies concluded that social norms are adopted and internalized at a very young age and strongly influence how adolescents manage their reproductive health choices.This study aims to understand the influence of social norms on the access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by perceived adolescents and to identify
[164] Gender norms and access to sexual and reproductive health services ... — These most common gender norms for women include parental refusal, stigmatization, and social exclusion of girls from sexual and reproductive health education services; strong decision-making power of family members over contraceptive use and women's adherence to pregnancy monitoring and access to supervised delivery; and culturally
[165] How Do Cultural or Societal Factors Impact Sexual Health? — How Do Cultural or Societal Factors Impact Sexual Health? Committees Sexual Health Q&A How Do Cultural or Societal Factors Impact Sexual Health? However, it is not solely determined by biological factors; cultural and societal influences play a significant role in shaping attitudes, behaviors, and access to sexual health resources. Moreover, religious institutions may impact public policies and healthcare services, potentially limiting access to comprehensive sexual health resources. Stigma and discrimination related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV/AIDS status can create barriers to accessing sexual health services. Addressing Cultural and Societal Factors for Improved Sexual Health To promote positive sexual health outcomes, it is essential to address cultural and societal factors that impact individuals’ attitudes, behaviors, and access to sexual health resources. Women’s Sexual Health Committees
[166] Eliminating stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health ... — Eliminating stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care: a public health imperative - PMC The discrimination faced by Brazilian men living with HIV who wish to have children,6 and stigma and abuses experienced by women who have sex with women in Lesotho7 are only two examples of past articles, so this themed journal issue simply serves to call further attention to the inescapable importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination in sexual and reproductive health care. Community-based approaches to address adolescent sexual and reproductive health stigma in families, communities, and various healthcare settings can identify contextually relevant strategies for transforming inequitable gender norms to improve uptake of HIV-related services.18 Low expectations among women seeking abortion care have implications for effective practice, and Makleff et al.
[168] The Impact of Cultural Beliefs on Reproductive Disorder Stigma — Indirectly, cultural beliefs influence societal attitudes towards reproductive disorders, which in turn affect access to healthcare. In some cultures, reproductive health issues are considered taboo or a private matter that should not be discussed openly.
[169] Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Reproductive Health Services and ... — Despite significant strides in women's reproductive health, disparities in access and outcomes remain, especially for racial–ethnic minorities in the United States.1–4 Reports document decades-long racial–ethnic disparities in several areas of reproductive health, including contraceptive use, sexually transmitted infection care and human papillomavirus vaccination among younger women aged 18–25 years,5 reproductive cancers,6 preterm deliveries and low-birth-weight neonates, and maternal morbidity and mortality.7 Data suggest that the disproportionate risk for women of color for reproductive health access and outcomes expand beyond individual-level risks and include social and structural factors, such as fewer neighborhood health services, less insurance coverage, decreased access to educational and economic attainment, and even practitioner-level factors such as racial bias and stereotyping.1,4,8 The Center for Reproductive Rights describes this racial–ethnic gap as a human rights issue and suggests that, “several U.S. policies may exacerbate these disparities by disproportionately burdening access to health care for women of color.”4 Solutions that lead to increased access for women must remove these social and structural barriers so that women, especially underserved racial and ethnic minority women, may access and utilize reproductive health services as needed without clinician bias or other obstacles.9
[176] Sexual and reproductive health for all: 20 years of the Global Strategy — Sexual and reproductive health for all: 20 years of the Global Strategy Sexual and reproductive health for all: 20 years of the Global Strategy Sexual and reproductive health for all: 20 years of the Global Strategy “The global strategy is the foundational policy document that centres WHO’s mandate for sexual and reproductive health to date,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of the UN Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP) and WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health. Other future-looking focus areas within SRHR include research on the transformative role of artificial intelligence and innovative contraception methods, further work on strengthening health systems, and the enduring prioritization of positive pregnancy and childbirth experiences.
[192] New Report Provides Strategies for Building SRHR Protections Around the ... — New Report Provides Strategies for Building SRHR Protections Around the World | Center for Reproductive Rights A new report by the Center for Reproductive Rights and its partners shares stories and strategies that have advanced sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in countries around the world. The report, Pathways to Change: Building Stronger Legal Guarantees for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, features case studies from 13 countries where advocacy and legal strategies succeeded in building legal guarantees for abortion, maternal health, adolescent services, emergency contraception, and more. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing.
[194] Public sexual health promotion interventions and strategies: A ... — Public sexual health promotion interventions and strategies: A qualitative study - PMC Analyzing participants’ perspectives and experiences revealed two main categories, i.e., 1) General actions to promote sexual health (with three sub-categories: public policies promoting sexual health, development of sexual health supporting environments, and removal of barriers to receiving services) and 2) Specific actions in the current health system (with three sub-categories: economic policy, empowering individuals and the society, and reviewing the current health system). One of the participants said: “To succeed in sexual health programs, the sexual health services should be integrated into primary health care “(a 48-year-old woman, Ph.D. in Health Education). The majority of the participants in this study considered the increased access to services a strategy for improving sexual health.
[195] PDF — The Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-2030) and the Action Plan for Sexual and Reproductive Health urge countries to carry out essential interventions for preventing sexually transmitted infections and ensuring their effective management.
[201] Understanding Comprehensive Sexuality Education: A Worldwide Narrative ... — Despite strides in sexual health education, insufficient coordination and funding hinder comprehensive service delivery . Low awareness of reproductive and sexual health persists, with less than 40% of adolescents having accurate family planning information and under 20% having comprehensive STI/AIDS prevention knowledge.
[202] Comprehensive sexuality education - World Health Organization (WHO) — Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) gives young people accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health, which is critical for their health and survival. Sexuality education equips children and young people with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that help them to protect their health, develop respectful social and sexual relationships, make responsible choices and understand and protect the rights of others. Many people have a role to play in teaching young people about their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, whether in formal education, at home or in other informal settings. The UN’s guidance on sexuality education aims to help countries, practitioners and families provide accurate, up-to-date information related to young people’s sexuality, which is appropriate to their stage of development.
[203] Is Sex Ed Really that Important? - Planned Parenthood — Sexual and reproductive health education is a cornerstone of public health and plays a crucial role in reducing unplanned pregnancies, preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and empowering individuals to build healthy, respectful relationships, among other benefits. Even so, sexual and reproductive health education faces harsh criticism, which in turn has led to
[204] PDF — With age of sexual debut, marriages, and childbearing starting quite early in the region, it is imperative to address adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights to forestall critical gaps. Comprehensive sexuality education for youths and adolescents will promote positive sexual behavior and thus improve reproductive health.
[205] Effectiveness of Sex Education in Adolescents - ResearchGate — In general, health education programs for adolescents on sexuality increase the ten- dency to research further questions in this regar d using adequate sources such as: families, teachers and
[208] Measuring the quality of sexuality education implementation at the ... — Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a key component of efforts to improve sexual and reproductive outcomes for young people. ... An assessment of the validity and reliability of the index indicates it can be used in other settings and could be a useful tool for educationalists, researchers and programme implementers to measure CSE
[227] Navigating Cultural Sensitivities in Sex Education — A: To ensure that your sex education curriculum is culturally sensitive, it's important to involve the community in the development process, use inclusive language, and represent a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and experiences. Additionally, addressing controversial topics with care and respect can help create a curriculum that is both
[228] Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Comprehensive Sex Education in the ... — education. While various sex education policies incorporating prevention modalities are used throughout the United States, recognition of the lack of accessible and inclusive information for urban youth and sexual minority groups (e.g., LGBTQIA+ groups) in sex education has been on the rise in the last few decades.
[229] Comprehensive sexuality education | Plan International — Plan International believes that all children, adolescents and young people – without discrimination – are entitled to comprehensive sexuality education. CSE Topics Table that covers 7 key areas of CSE education: relationships, values, rights and sexuality, gender, violence and safety, the human body and development, sexuality and sexual behaviour, and sexual and reproductive health. With a multi-component approach, it includes working in partnership with vibrant civil society partners, scaling up comprehensive sexuality education, improving access to climate resilient, quality, inclusive, age-and-gender responsive sexual and reproductive health services, and increasing societal and political acceptance of children, adolescent and youth sexuality. This project, led by UNESCO and Plan International, aimed to enhance education access for children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on gender equality, CSE, and preventing gender-based violence.
[230] The Impact of Inclusive Sex Education on LGBTQ+ Youth — Promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment, this article emphasizes the importance of inclusive sex education in schools. As LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges in regards to their sexual health and well-being, it is crucial that sex education materials include representations of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. A lack of representation can lead to feelings of
[231] Feminist Movements: Strengthening Democracy and Protecting Rights for ... — These feminist organizations and grassroots spaces advocate for policies that address gender-based violence and discrimination, and they mobilize resources for a range of sexual and reproductive health services. They also work on policies and programs to ensure that everyone has equal access to life saving services, information, and resources.
[232] Trends to watch in sexual and reproductive health and rights — Share This Page The intensifying climate crisis. Slashed funding to life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare. A surge in youth-led activism, and grassroots movements pushing for much-needed reform. These are just some of the trends shaping sexual and reproductive health and rights in 2023.
[233] Advances in Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health: 2024 in Review —  These victories for sexual and reproductive rights and health are the result of relentless grassroots work and advocacy by our Member Associations, in partnership with community organizations, allied politicians, and the mobilization of public opinion. April: the UN adopts the first ever resolution on the human rights of intersex persons, Tanzania authorizes Mifepristone and Mexican state Jalisco decriminalizes abortion In 2024, the Mexican government further solidified access by ensuring federal health services provided abortion care, thanks to work of IPPF Member Association Mexfam. On December 3, Norway took a major step closer to reproductive freedom when its Parliament adopted by a large majority a groundbreaking new law extending self-determined abortion rights from 12 weeks to 18.
[234] Guiding Principles for Sexual Health Education for Young People: A ... — Resources for Community-Based Organizations; Introduction. Sexual health education for young people (ages 10 to 24) is a challenging topic. Community-based organizations play an important role in delivering sexual health education to adolescents to decrease the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and unintended pregnancy.
[235] The Role of Community-Based Organizations in Adolescent Sexual Health ... — The results of this study suggest that CBOs should be included in the range of sources to be used for comprehensive sexual health promotion. If such organizations are supported with information, training, and resources, they could play a valuable role in the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.
[236] A Qualitative Exploration of Community-Based Organization Programs ... — To support YDPs and CBOs in efforts to provide youth with accurate, non-judgmental information on sexual health and sexuality, companies and organizations developing programs, interventions and trainings for CBOs should 1) consider a modular approach to content education that allows the mission and values of the organization to be reflected in
[245] Why Is Sexual Health Important to Overall Health? A Comprehensive Guide — Why is sexual health important? Sexual health is a crucial aspect of human well-being, extending beyond reproductive functions to encompass physical, mental, and social health. Research indicates that sexual health significantly impacts overall health outcomes, quality of life, and even longevity.
[251] Assessment of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and awareness ... — Sexual and reproductive health (SRH), a globally recognized fundamental health concern and a basic human right is poorly addressed and seldom researched in the Arab world. Disregarding this aspect of health creates various obstacles to accessing SRH related services and education. This threatens the health of a female, namely through increasing the probability of unplanned pregnancies and
[252] Sexual and Gender Minorities Inclusion and Uptake of Sexual and ... — One of the primary goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services (SDG 3.7 and 5.6) (Callahan et al., n.d.).Furthermore, the World Health Organization's 13th General Program of Work includes a strategic focus on Universal Health Care with a specific reference to sexual and reproductive health and
[255] Maternal mental health and adverse birth outcomes - PMC — Our results show that maternal mental health problems during pregnancy are indeed a substantial risk factor for adverse birth outcomes. This result also holds after the inclusion of a wide range of socioeconomic characteristics as well as physical health measures of the mother and is robust given different identification strategies or data sources.
[256] Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy: A Critical Review — Maternal mental health during pregnancy has been broadly explored and connected with adverse results for impacted females' children. The impacts of poor mental health include preterm labor, low birth weight and early neonatal developmental disorders, adolescent neurodevelopmental issues, and young adult mental and social problems .
[258] Optimizing Psychological Health Across the Perinatal Period: An Update ... — Perinatal psychological health conditions (eg, perinatal depression, anxiety) are some of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the United States and are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, long‐term cardiovascular outcomes, and intergenerational effects on offspring neurodevelopment. These risks underscore the importance of addressing maternal psychological health as a key
[259] Screening and treating maternal psychological health key to improving ... — Integrating routine psychological health screening and treatment during and after pregnancy may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and improve maternal cardiovascular health, according
[260] Integration of mental health into priority health service delivery ... — Abstract Maternal and child health [MCH] programmes are the most logical and appropriate platforms for integration of mental health care in an equitable, accessible and holistic manner. Such integration has the potential to improve both mental and physical health synergistically.
[261] WHO guide for integration of perinatal mental health in maternal and ... — Supporting good mental health can improve health outcomes, and the quality of maternal and child health services for all women can be improved by creating an environment where they feel safe to discuss any difficulties they are experiencing in a respectful and caring environment that is free from stigmatization. The guide for integration of perinatal mental health in maternal and child health
[262] PDF — ICRW 03 was used to control the non-white population, sexual and reproductive health has been weaponized as a tool to exert power over the bodies of marginalized people.23 ,24 25 This directly violates both the tenet of RJ, which calls for the right to parent, and research ethics and international human rights standards.26,27 These violations of international human rights standards are a
[264] Sexual and reproductive health and rights | OHCHR - UN Human Rights Office — Women's sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education, and the prohibition of discrimination. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) have both
[265] Global health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender ... — In SRHR, the overall health and well-being objective cannot only be tangible health outcomes, but, more significantly, also reproductive and sexual agency and bodily autonomy. Gender transformative approaches to SRHR are those that seek to dismantle the relationship between sexuality, reproduction and gender norms, and hence transform the power
[266] PDF — Human rights for sexual and reproductive health Jane Cottingham et al. Policy & practice the Children,12 have generally focused on three key principles: the participation of affected communities; ensuring dis-crimination does not occur in programme design or implementation; and the existence of accountability mechanisms.
[272] Improving maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes in low-resource ... — The report discusses translating research evidence into practice to improve maternal, neonatal, and child health outcomes in low-resource settings.
[273] PDF — State or multi -state networks of multidisciplinary teams that are working to improve measurable outcomes for maternal and infant health by Advancing evidence-informed clinical practices and processes using quality improvement (QI) principles.
[274] Strategies to Promote Maternal Health Equity: The Role of Perinatal ... — Approaches include making equity a strategic priority within the organization; acknowledging the effect of racism on health outcomes; investing resources to educate staff and implement perinatal QI initiatives; fostering collaboration with health departments, hospitals, and community stakeholders; and developing performance data systems that accurately capture and report inequities.5,23,31–34 In 2001, the Institute of Medicine named “equity” as an essential domain of quality, defining quality health care as safe, efficient, effective, timely, patient-centered, and equitable.35 One approach to establishing and monitoring a culture of equity within health systems is to create a multidisciplinary, departmental health equity committee within obstetrics that engages members of the communities served.34,36 Leadership-based, equity-focused strategies and tactics may be effective in increasing accountability, buy-in, communication, and collaboration, as well as improving data systems to monitor outcomes and experiences for all populations.
[275] Quality Improvement Models and Methods for Maternal Health in Lower ... — Optimizing maternal health in lower-resource settings requires a joint focus to simultaneously increase skilled delivery care access and improve the quality of preventive and emergency maternal health care provided. Evidence-based interventions are largely established, yet despite increasing access, poor quality is limiting health gains. Assessing quality and implementing quality improvement