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Sexual health and population dynamics
Sexual and reproductive health and rights, and population dynamics
Sexual and reproductive health means being able to lead a safe and satisfying sex life that is beneficial to health. It means the right to freedom from sexual coercion and sexual violence. But it also means being well informed and free to take one’s own decisions in regard to family planning, for example whether and when to have children and how many. The term applies to all the stages of life: childhood, youth and old age.
Promoting sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights are important instruments of German development cooperation. They include working to combat gender-specific violence – such as the genital mutilation of girls and women, still a widespread practice – as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
Right of access to information and contraceptives
Access to reliable information on human sexuality is the precondition for sexual and reproductive health. Every woman and every man in the world has the right to this information.
Likewise, everyone has a right, if they wish, to access to contraceptives or other modern family planning methods – irrespective of age or family status. The methods must be safe, effective and affordable.
Where these rights are restricted by cultural conventions or legal requirements, a way must be found – in light of internationally recognised human rights and international treaties – of contributing step by step to the fulfilment of sexual and reproductive rights.
Right of access to health services
Adequate and appropriate medical care can stop children and women suffering – or even dying – from preventable diseases. Access to relevant health care services for women and children is a human right.
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