Reproductive Health & Rights
Reproductive health
Reproductive health encompasses both physical and mental aspects, makes it possible to choose between different life paths, and is essential for gender equality. But what exactly are reproductive health and reproductive rights?
Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes.
Reproductive health, therefore, means more than just “being healthy.” It describes a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being concerning all aspects of sexuality and reproduction.
Reproductive rights
This definition gave rise to what are known as “reproductive rights.” These include measures and standards that contribute to achieving reproductive health.
Reproductive rights encompass both medical services and social norms, social justice, and structural barriers.
Key aspects of reproductive rights include:
| Access to reproductive health services | People should have access to services related to family planning, pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, regardless of income or place of residence. |
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| Midwifery care and support during and after pregnancy | A pregnancy should be professionally supported, e.g., by midwives or psychosocial services. |
| Access to birth control | Contraceptives should be freely and easily accessible so that people can make their own autonomous decisions about pregnancy. |
| Rights within a partnership | In relationships, decisions regarding reproduction and family planning should be made on the basis of equal rights. |
| Banning forced sterilizations and other coercive measures | No one should ever be forced to undergo reproductive procedures such as involuntary sterilization, forced termination of pregnancy, or similar measures against their will. |
| Health care without discrimination | Reproductive health care should be accessible and free from all forms of discrimination. |
| Abortion | Safe and legal access to abortion. |
| Assisted reproduction and parenthood | Issues such as egg donation, surrogacy, and other forms of assisted reproduction are also discussed as part of reproductive rights. |
| Gender and sexual diversity | Access to care and information regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or identity. |
Reproductive rights are not yet fully guaranteed by law. The right to abortion, for example, is restricted. The section “unplanned pregnancy” provides more information on this topic.
In addition, there are regional and social inequalities in access to medical care, information, and counseling. As a result, reproductive rights vary depending on place of residence, background, education, disability, sexual identity, and financial resources.
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Public debate
Issues surrounding reproductive rights are a recurring focus of political and public debate. Societal “norms” regarding cis-heterosexual relationships that are oriented toward parenthood tend to overshadow other potential life paths. The stigmatization of abortion as well as childlessness further contributes to the restriction of reproductive rights.
Important: Decisions regarding family planning, abortion, lifestyle choices, and related matters are personal and should be made by each individual. Legal and social frameworks should be established to support these decisions.