1. Definition of reproductive health (from ICPD, 1994)
“Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes. Reproductive health therefore implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.
…[It] is the constellation of methods, techniques and services that contribute to reproductive health and well-being by preventing and solving reproductive health problems. It also includes sexual health, the purpose of which is the enhancement of life and personal relations, and not merely counseling and care related to reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases.”
Note: ICPD= International Conference on Population
and Development, Cairo, 1994
P. Tavrow, 2005

2. Standard elements of reproductive health
Family planning services, counseling, information and education
Prenatal, safe delivery, postnatal care
Prevention and treatment of infertility
Abortion care, post-abortion care
Prevention and treatment of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs, including. HIV/AIDS)
Counseling on sexuality and treatment of sexual dysfunction
Treatment of cancers of the reproductive system
Discouragement of female genital mutilation
Prevention of gender-related violence and effective counseling/treatment
Special attention to certain populations at higher risk or need, such as adolescents, refugees or displaced people, disabled, commercial sex workers
P. Tavrow, 2005

3. Reproductive health: global challenges today
20-40% of births are unwanted or mistimed
150 million couples have unmet need for family planning
50 million abortions per year; 20 million are unsafe
600,000 women die of pregnancy-related causes (99% in developing countries)
333 million new cases of curable STDS every year
40 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS; 20 million have died
130 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation; 2 million are at risk every year
Nearly 1 in 3 women report forced or coerced sex
Nearly 1 in 4 women report sexual violence by intimate partner
P. Tavrow, 2005