A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease/ infirmity in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes.
Basic RH Rights
Right to RH information and health care services for safe pregnancy and childbirth
Right to know different means of regulating fertility to preserve health and where to obtain them
Freedom to decide the number and timing of birth of children
Right to exercise satisfying sex life
Factors/ Determinants of RH
Socioeconomic conditions – education, employment, poverty, nutrition, living condition/ environment, family environment
Status of women – equal right in education and in making decisions about her own RH; right to be free from torture and ill treatment and to participate in politics
Social and Gender Issues
Biological (individual knowledge of reproductive organs and their functions), cultural (country’s norms, RH practices) and psychosocial factors
Elements
Maternal and Child Health Nutrition
Family Planning
Prevention and Management of Abortion Complications
Prevention and Treatment of Reproductive Tract Infections, including STDs, HIV and AIDS
Education and Counseling on Sexuality and Sexual Health
Breast and Reproductive Tract Cancers and other Gynecological Conditions
Men’s Reproductive Health
Adolescent Reproductive Health
Violence Against Women
Prevention and Treatment of Infertility and Sexual Disorders
Selected Concepts
RH is the exercise of reproductive right with responsibility
It means safe pregnancy and delivery, the right of access to appropriate health information and services
It includes protection from unwanted pregnancy by having access to safe and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice
It includes protection from harmful reproductive practices and violence
It ensures sexual health for the purpose of enhancement of life and personal relations and assures access to information on sexuality to achieve sexual enjoyment
Goal
To achieve healthy sexual development and maturation
To achieve their reproductive intention
To avoid diseases, injuries and disabilities related to sexuality and reproduction
To receive appropriate counseling and care of RH problems
Strategies
Increase and improve the use of more effective or modern contraceptive methods
Provision of care, treatment and rehabilitation for RH
RH care provision should be focused on adolescents, men and unmarried and other displaced people with RH problems
Strengthen outreach activities and referral system
Prevent specific RH problems through information dissemination and counseling of clients
