Sexual and reproductive health and rights

The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all individuals must be respected, protected and fulfilled.  

Making universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights a reality can make a difference in the lives of people across the globe. With persistent efforts on all fronts, we can foster societies where all people can express their sexuality safely, positively and with dignity, including the inalienable right for people to decide if, how and when to have children. The health and human rights imperatives are clear: it is time for the global health community to unite around a bold agenda to affirm and secure sexual health as part of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. 

Sexual and reproductive health are integral elements of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have explicitly recognized sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as essential not only to health, but also to gender equality and wider economic and social development. Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services are therefore critical for progressing towards universal health coverage, while also contributing to gender equality and people’s empowerment.  

Ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services upholds the dignity, rights and well-being of people worldwide. When people have control over their sexuality and reproduction, they can fully participate in social, economic and political spheres. Sexual and reproductive health also impacts environmental sustainability.  

Investing in a package of sexual and reproductive health services (family planning, maternal and newborn care, treatment for curable sexually transmitted infections) that fully meets the needs of women has been shown to provide multiple health, social and economic benefits including significant decreases in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. 

Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health encompass a wide range of health needs. Services should cover access to contraception, fertility and infertility care, maternal and perinatal health, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), protection from sexual and gender-based violence, and education on safe and healthy relationships. By addressing these various aspects of health, primary health care systems demonstrate a commitment to holistic care that considers the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals. 

Advancing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health coverage requires political commitment and well-defined, coherent strategies for ensuring progress. In moving towards these aims, WHO recommends the following:  

• Ensure that sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is integrated into national health policies and plans. 
• Review existing laws and regulations that affect the provision of, and access to, SRH services; when necessary, align these with human rights international laws and commitments.  
• Include comprehensive SRH services within national health benefit packages, following a life course approach. 
• Ensure that priority-setting processes for health benefit packages are guided by principles of equity, rights and gender equality. 
• Promote the active participation and leadership of women and girls at all levels. 
• Ensure sufficient resources for civil society actors and strengthen accountability. 
• Invest in and strengthen national governments’ capacity for improved measurement and tracking of resource flows for SRH services. 
• Strengthen the evidence-base for advocacy and resource mobilization by developing investment cases on the health, social and economic costs and benefits of investing in SRH.