What is meant by sexual and reproductive health and rights
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) can be understood as the right for all, whether young or old, women, men or transgender, straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual, HIV positive or negative, to make choices regarding their own sexuality and reproduction, providing these respect the rights of others to bodily integrity. This definition also includes the right to access information and services needed to support these choices and optimise health (Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, p14). However, there is a range of different understandings of SRHR. Some of these understandings focus more on health; others draw attention to the significance of rights in women's and men's sexual and reproductive choices.
Definitions from international agreements
At the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994, the international community for the first time agreed on a broad definition of reproductive health and rights, recognising that "reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being…in all matters relating to the reproductive system" (ICPD Programme of Action). In 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing, affirmed the definition of reproductive health and rights agreed at the ICPD, and also called upon states to consider reviewing laws which punished women for having illegal abortions (Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action).
Paragraph 96 of the Beijing Declaration extended the definition of reproductive rights to cover sexuality: "The human rights of women include their right to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality, including sexual and reproductive health, free of coercion, discrimination and violence". Key aspects of sexual rights were included in the definition, although the term itself was rejected.
Working definitions from the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) Department of Reproductive Health and Research provides working definitions of sexual health and rights. The WHO's working definition of sexual rights includes a right to achieve "the highest attainable standard of sexual health, including access to sexual and reproductive health care services". Other rights listed under sexual rights include rights to sexuality education and bodily integrity, and the right to "pursue a satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life". There is no universally recognised definition of SRHR among major international organisations.
Next: definitions from non-governmental and campaigning organisations
