Sexual and reproductive health and rights

This key issues guide reviews current policy issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), examining questions of definition and exploring key debates. The guide also highlights current and future challenges for attaining greater levels of sexual and reproductive well-being, and considers the role of innovative technologies and approaches in achieving sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Development agencies have long addressed issuesof sexuality and reproduction. However, traditionally, they have dealt with them in largely negative ways. Whether through population programmes or the use of scare tactics in HIV prevention work, sex and sexuality have been regarded as a problem that needs to be controlled - rather than a positive force that can be part of the solution.

the realisation of sexual rights is crucial for achieving equity and social justice

Now, as a result of international agreements and activism from non-governmental organisations over the past two decades, new approaches are emerging which recognise sexual and reproductive health and rights as human rights - an end in themselves - as well as being central to health and well-being.

These positive approaches recognise that good reproductive health, and the realisation of sexual rights, including rights to pleasure and fulfillment, are crucial for achieving equity and social justice. Indeed, sexual well-being is integral to human development, underpinning all the major health and development goals. As rates of HIV infection continue to rise, and women’s and men's sexual and reproductive ill-health threatens international development targets, there has never been a more pressing need to make positive connections between sexuality, health and human rights.