SrH

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a field of public health concerned with the rights and capabilities of individuals to make informed choices about sexuality and reproduction. It encompasses physical, emotional and social well-being in relation to the reproductive system, as well as freedom from coercion, discrimination and violence.

Key components include safe sex and contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies, pregnancy care and safe childbirth, maternal and newborn health, fertility services, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and access to abortion where legally permitted, as well as reproductive cancers screening and infertility services.

A rights-based approach situates SRH within broader human rights and gender equity, emphasizing informed consent, privacy, non-discrimination, youth-friendly services, comprehensive sex education, and access to information and services regardless of age, income or location.

Global health policy frames SRH around universal access to reproductive health care and rights, with indicators such as contraceptive prevalence, unmet need for family planning, skilled birth attendance, maternal mortality, STI incidence, and adolescent birth rate. International initiatives promote integration with primary health care and HIV programs.

Barriers include legal and policy restrictions, cost, supply shortages, stigma and gender-based violence, and geographic disparities. Efforts focus on expanding contraception, safe abortion where legal, confidential services, and community-based and digital health approaches to improve reach and quality.