Factors affecting access

There are a number of interlocking social and cultural factors, reinforced by restrictive laws and policies, which can impede access to services and information. People who are most vulnerable to sexual and reproductive ill health are often those who are denied access to SRH services.

Socio-cultural factors

Issues around sex and sexuality are taboo in many cultures, and perceived stigma and embarrassment can lead to a reluctance to discuss and address sexual health issues. Taboos are even more pronounced for people who do not conform to socially accepted norms of behaviour. More...

Political factors

Whilst reproductive health targets and rights have been agreed in international negotiations and universal access to reproductive health services incorporated into the MDG5, many countries do not recognise sexual health as being distinct from reproductive health. More... 

Economic and structural factors

Lack of political will has led to a corresponding lack of financial commitment to SRH (outside of HIV) by both international donors and national governments. Whilst HIV and AIDS has become an international priority, the proportion of donor funding has been reduced in other areas of SRH. More...