Definition of reproductive health (from ICPD, 1994)

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Definition of reproductive health (from ICPD,
1994)

• 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 implies that people are able to
  have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they
  have the capability to reproduce and the freedom
  to decide if, when and how often to do so.
• It is the constellation of methods, techniques
  and services that contribute to reproductive
  health and well-being by preventing and solving
  reproductive health problems. It also includes
  sexual health, the purpose of which is the
  enhancement of life and personal relations, and
  not merely counseling and care related to
  reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases.

Note ICPD International Conference on
Population and Development, Cairo, 1994
P. Tavrow, 2005
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Standard elements of reproductive health

• Family planning services, counseling,
  information and education
• Prenatal, safe delivery, postnatal care
• Prevention and treatment of infertility
• Abortion care, post-abortion care
• Prevention and treatment of reproductive tract
  infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted
  infections (STIs, including. HIV/AIDS)
• Counseling on sexuality and treatment of sexual
  dysfunction
• Treatment of cancers of the reproductive system
• Discouragement of female genital mutilation
• Prevention of gender-related violence and
  effective counseling/treatment
• Special attention to certain populations at
  higher risk or need, such as adolescents,
  refugees or displaced people, disabled,
  commercial sex workers

P. Tavrow, 2005
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Reproductive health global challenges today

• 20-40 of births are unwanted or mistimed
• 150 million couples have unmet need for family
  planning
• 50 million abortions per year 20 million are
  unsafe
• 600,000 women die of pregnancy-related causes
  (99 in developing countries)
• 333 million new cases of curable STDS every year
• 40 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS 20
  million have died
• 130 million girls and women have undergone
  female genital mutilation 2 million are at risk
  every year
• Nearly 1 in 3 women report forced or coerced sex
• Nearly 1 in 4 women report sexual violence by
  intimate partner

P. Tavrow, 2005