Transcript Fertility in World Regions, 1950 and 2000

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
Standard elements of
reproductive health
Family planning services, counseling, information
and education

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Prenatal, safe delivery, postnatal care
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Prevention and treatment of infertility
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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
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Treatment of cancers of the reproductive system
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Discouragement of female genital mutilation
Prevention of gender-related violence and
effective counseling/treatment
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Special attention to certain populations at higher
risk or need, such as adolescents, refugees or
displaced people, disabled, commercial sex workers

P. Tavrow, 2005
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