According to the World Health Organization, sexual and reproductive health is a state of physical, psychological, and social well-being encompassing all aspects of an individual’s sexual life. It integrates various elements such as gender identity, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. In other words, sexual and reproductive health goes beyond the absence of diseases; it involves the ability to enjoy a satisfying sexual life without risks and to autonomously plan a family.
Sexual and reproductive health is a right; therefore, it is inherent, non-transferable, inalienable, and universal. This means it cannot be limited by age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by human rights.
Sexual and Reproductive Rights
Sexual health is closely linked to sexual and reproductive rights. It entails the opportunity to experience physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through proper information. Meanwhile, reproductive health is a component of sexual health: it encompasses physical, psychological, social aspects, physical maturation, and the reproductive functions of the body. Reproductive rights grant individuals the freedom to decide if they want to reproduce, the timing, frequency, the type of family they wish to create, as well as access to information and family planning. Sexual rights protect everyone’s capacity to fulfill, express, and enjoy their sexuality while respecting the rights of others. Both rights are interdependent and cannot exist in isolation.
Some of the sexual rights protected by international conventions include:
– Autonomy and self-esteem in the practice of sexuality
– Exploration and enjoyment of a pleasurable sexual life
– Experiencing sexuality without violence
– Right to consensual relationships
– Right to decide freely and autonomously when and with whom to initiate sexual life
– Decision-making regarding union with others
– Freedom to openly express sexual identity and gender orientation
– Protection and prevention of STIs and sexually transmitted diseases
– Accessing high-quality information and services covering all dimensions of sexuality, without discrimination
– Right to comprehensive sexual education throughout life
Contraceptive Methods
Having access to appropriate contraceptive methods is a human right. Each individual can decide if they wish to conceive, how many times, and when. It is crucial that everyone has access to modern, safe, and reliable contraceptive methods to ensure their human rights.
At WINGS, we provide various contraceptive methods according to each individual’s needs. We offer permanent, long-acting, and short-term methods:
– Vasectomy
– Tubal ligation
– Intrauterine device (IUD) / copper T
– Subdermal hormonal implant
– Injections (1 and 3 months)
– Birth control pills
– Emergency contraceptive pills
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
Access to comprehensive sexual education based on a rights framework equips individuals to fully enjoy their sexuality on physical, emotional, and psychological levels. CSE views sexuality as integral to the emotional and social development of young people. According to UNESCO, the goal of this education is to cultivate attitudes that empower individuals in their decisions, help them understand their rights, and ensure their protection.
Rights-based approach
CSE must adopt a rights-based approach, acknowledging that all individuals have the right to accurate, non-discriminatory information about sexuality and reproduction. This includes understanding reproductive and sexual rights to exercise and respect them.
Empowerment and autonomy
A primary objective of CSE is to provide young people with autonomy to make conscious, informed, and respectful decisions regarding their sexual lives. Precise information offered by CSE empowers them to comprehend their rights, bodies, and sexualities, enabling decisions based on their needs and values.
Prevention of issues
Comprehensive sexual education also plays a crucial role in preventing sexual and reproductive health issues. By understanding how contraceptive methods work and how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, young individuals can proactively safeguard their health and well-being throughout their lives.
International agreements
Several international agreements, declarations, and conventions protect sexual and reproductive rights:
1. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW): Adopted in 1979, this treaty states that gender-based discrimination includes limitations on sexual and reproductive health.
2. International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD): Held in Cairo in 1994, this conference established reproductive rights as fundamental rights and promoted a rights-based approach to family planning and reproductive health.
3. Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Formulated during the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, this platform reaffirms reproductive rights as human rights and provides recommendations for promoting sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and female empowerment.
4. Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR): Adopted in 2008, this protocol enables groups and individuals to report violations of their sexual and reproductive rights to the United Nations.
5. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs include specific targets related to sexual and reproductive health, such as universal access to family planning, reduction of maternal mortality, and elimination of gender-based violence.
6. Convention on the Rights of the Child: While focused on children’s rights, this convention recognizes that adolescents have the right to receive information about health and development, including sexual education.
