1. What are sexual and reproductive health rights?
Sexual and reproductive health rights are the rights of women and girls to make informed decisions about their bodies, sexuality, and reproduction without coercion, discrimination, or violence. This includes access to information, healthcare services, and bodily autonomy.
2. Do women have the right to decide if and when to have children?
Yes. Every woman has the right to decide freely and responsibly whether, when, and how many children to have, and to access family planning information and services to support those decisions.
3. Is access to contraception a right?
Yes. Women have the right to access safe, effective, and affordable contraception, and to receive accurate information to choose the method that works best for them.
4. Can a woman be forced to have sex or marry?
No. Forced sex, rape, and forced marriage are violations of human rights. Consent must be freely given, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time.
5. Do adolescents and young women have sexual and reproductive health rights?
Yes. Adolescents have the right to age-appropriate, confidential sexual and reproductive health information and services without fear, shame, or discrimination.
6. Is a woman allowed to seek reproductive health care without her partner’s permission?
Yes. Women have the right to access sexual and reproductive healthcare independently, including contraception, antenatal care, and STI services.
7. What rights do women have during pregnancy and childbirth?
Women have the right to respectful maternity care, skilled health services, privacy, informed consent, and freedom from abuse or neglect during pregnancy and childbirth.
8. Is access to safe abortion part of reproductive rights?
Access to accurate information, post-abortion care, and safe health services is part of reproductive health rights. Women should never be denied life-saving care or treated with stigma.
9. What should a woman do if her sexual or reproductive rights are violated?
She can seek medical care, emotional support, and legal or social services. Confidential hotlines and trusted organizations can provide guidance, referrals, and support.
10. Do women living with HIV or disabilities have the same rights?
Yes. All women, including those living with HIV or disabilities, have equal sexual and reproductive health rights and should receive respectful, non-discriminatory care.
11. Is gender-based violence a reproductive health issue?
Yes. Gender-based violence affects physical, emotional, and reproductive health. Survivors have the right to medical care, counseling, and protection.
12. Are sexual and reproductive health services confidential?
Yes. Women have the right to privacy and confidentiality when accessing sexual and reproductive health information and services.