Infertility in the context of SRHR

Since it is widely accepted that women’s empowerment is essential to building stronger economies Women’s Rights and Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) are main pillars of international policy . By empowering women income, health and well being of families and communities can improve.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights involve all the care that is needed surrounding reproduction. This term was first introduced at the International Population Conference in Caïro ( 1994). Before that time, main focus was on family planning. Nowadays, it is seen in a wider context.

SRHR aims to create awareness on responsible sexual behavior, family planning, mother and child care, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and Aids.

Early diagnosis and treatment of cancerous diseases of the reproductive organs such as cervical cancer, breast cancer and cancer of the prostate are also part of SRHR. Furthermore SRHR envolves all education, medical and social help for any problem in the field of sexuality.

One of the main points is the aspect of Reproductive Rights. Freedom of choice for men and women is the commonly accepted first condition.

It all starts with education. Educating men and women on healthy behavior, diet, sexuality, family planning, pregnancy, childbirth and fertility.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights contains the right of all people to decide for themselves if and when they want to have children. This means the right to have access to safe contraception, but also the right to have access to medical help with infertility. The latter often remains a matter of low priority world wide, but especially in Africa.

Sexual and Reproductive Rights are part of basic human rights. They are essential for every person in order to fully avail oneself of the possibilities they have on emotional and physical well being.

They are an instrument of enrichment in relationships with fellow human, they empower the position of women and therefore societies and are crucial in achieving gender equality.