Introduction to Reproductive Health

1
Introduction to Reproductive Health

• Lecturer Joan Meade
• September 2006

2
Reproductive Health - Definition

• A state of complete physical, mental and social
  well-being not merely the absence of disease or
  infirmity in all matters relating to the
  reproductive system, its functions and processes
• It implies that people have the
• capability to reproduce
• freedom to decide if, when and how often to have
  children
• ability to go through pregnancy and childbirth
  safely

3
Reproductive Health Definition (contd.)

• Reproductive Health can be interpreted in
  different ways
• Three interpretations have been proposed
• A human condition
• An approach
• A package of services

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Reproductive Health Definition (contd.)

• A human Condition
• Refers to a wide array of conditions, events and
  processes
• Includes situations throughout life ranging from
  healthy sexual development and sexuality
  comfort, closeness and joys of childbearing to
  abuse and death
• Recognizes the interrelationships between social,
  psychological and physiological factors

5
Reproductive Health Definition (contd.)

• An approach
• Entails analyzing and responding to the needs of
  men and women regarding sexuality and
  reproduction
• In addition to health needs, reproductive health
  considers rights, equity, dignity, empowerment,
  self-determination, and responsibility in sexual
  relationships
• Takes a holistic view of women and men in their
  societies, families and sexual relationships

6
Reproductive Health Definition (contd.)

• Services
• Provision of comprehensive, accessible, high
  quality services to improve the human condition
  of women and men
• Requires attention to issues of integration, cost
  effectiveness, creation of enabling conditions
  for dignity and choices
• Involves reform of laws and policies
• Elements of services include maternal and child
  health, family planning, nutrition, counselling,
  health screening, provider training, public
  education, management information systems

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Reproductive Rights

• Reproductive Health recognizes the rights of
  individuals and couples to
• decide freely and responsibly the number, timing
  and spacing of children
• be informed
• have access to safe, effective, affordable and
  acceptable methods of family planning of their
  choice

8
Reproductive Rights (Contd.)

• have access to other methods of fertility
  regulation that are not illegal
• attain the highest standard of sexual and
  reproductive health
• make decisions about reproduction free from
  discrimination, coercion and violence

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Special Groups for Consideration

• Women of Childbearing Age 15-49 years
• Adolescents 10-19 years
• Youth 15-24
• Men