Sexual and Reproductive Health
Every year around 350,000 women die as a consequence of pregnancy and birth—and of this, 99 per cent occur in developing countries although most deaths could be prevented (read more >). DSW implements development projects and does advocacy work in order to increase access to health care services. Attention needs to be raised to assure a healthy young population and safe motherhood. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health and rights need to be a subject that is advanced to the top of the political agenda.
Our basic concept refers back to the Cairo Programme of Action of 1994. Ever since, sexual and reproductive health has become a major concern around the world. Starting in 2000, eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were signed by 189 member states of the United Nations (UN). MDG 5 aims to combat maternal deaths by decreasing its number by three-quarters and assuring universal access to reproductive health. Today, this remains the MDG with the least progress.
What is the Meaning of "Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)"?
- Bild: Carsten Luther
The final declaration (the "Programme of Action") of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo (1994) defines the concept of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Since then, SRHR has been considered internationally as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the human reproductive system and functions and processes. Accordingly, SRHR implies a sexual life free from health risks for both partners, but also refers to the social aspects of sexual being as such and constructive partner relationships.
SRHR implies that people have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. This comprehensive definition goes far beyond simple absence of infirmity and disease. The rights-based approach underlying this definition is of particular importance, as it implies that not only women and men but also adolescents should have access to safe, effective and affordable family planning services and methods of their choice. This includes the right to appropriate health care, safe pregnancy and the best possible chance for couples to have a healthy child.
SRHR and development
Worldwide, one third of all cases of illness in women of reproductive age are attributable to reproductive health problems. Programmes targeted at improving the SRHR situation of women, men and adolescents through information, family planning, prenatal and obstetric care also contribute substantially to an improved overall health condition of society at large. Relevant programmes may however also contribute to womens’ and girls’ empowerment, because if women (and couples) have the chance to decide when to have children and how many, this will greatly influence their personal opportunities in life, particularly with regard to education and employment. People - especially women - with a higher standard of education not only have children later, but also have fewer children. Furthermore, a higher standard of education often ensures a higher family income, which again improves the level of education and health condition of the children.
Internationally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) are concentrating on an improvement of the global SRHR situation. DSW closely cooperates with both organisations.
