The reproductive rights of women are a global issue in the contemporary world. Women have been forced to fight for their rights to regulate their reproductive choices and their own body and in some countries their voices are not being heard (Bruyn). Sterilization, abortion, family planning services and contraceptives constitute this issue of reproductive rights of women. The objective of this paper will discuss what reproductive rights are, their prevalence and implications and rights and ways they can be educated on such matters.
Reproductive rights are individual’s rights to decide on their reproduction as well as reproductive health (Anju Malhotra). They include the rights of individuals to plan a family, use contraceptives, terminate a pregnancy, learn things regarding sex education and access the services that deal with reproductive health. Historically, these reproductive rights issue has received multiple controversies not only in the U.S but also in other parts of the world (FindLaw). It is due to the ethical, moral, and religious undertones of abortion, birth control, and family planning (Cleland). Currently, the reproductive rights subject continues to be a politically and emotionally charged issue particularly with regards to recent laws and new technology. In India for instance, women have been manipulated to stop reproducing after their second birth. According to the officials, the regulation of the population and women’s pregnancies after their second birth, women will be empowered by being offered child care facilities and contraceptive choices (UNFPA).
The right to information on reproductive rights entitles women to reproductive health and sexual-related information including fundamental information regarding contraceptives and should guarantee a comprehensive, sexuality education programs that are evidence-based to ensure that information on women’s reproductive rights can be accessed by a wide audience (Nostlinger). Such information must be scientifically objective, accurate, and free from discrimination and prejudice.
Works Cited
Anju Malhotra, Laura Nyblade, Sulabha Parasuraman, Kerry MacQuarrie, Namita Kashyap, and Sunayana Walia. Realizing Reproductive Choice and Rights. 2003. .
Bruyn, Maria de. "Women, Reproductive Rights, and HIV/AIDS: Issues on Which Research and Interventions are Still Needed." J HEALTH POPUL NUTR 24.4 (2006): 413-425.
Cleland, Cicely Marston, and John. Relationships Between Contraception and Abortion: A Review of the Evidence. 1st March 2003. .
FindLaw. What are Reproductive Rights? 2018. .
Nostlinger, Therese Delvaux and Christiana. Reproductive Choice for Women and Men Living with HIV: Contraception, Abortion, and Fertility. 2007. .
UNFPA. THE RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTIVE INFORMATION AND SERVICES FOR WOMEN AND ADOLESCENTS. 2010. .
