Sexual &
Reproductive Health

“Good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. It implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so. To maintain one’s sexual and reproductive health, people need access to accurate information and the safe, effective, affordable, and acceptable contraception method of their choice (when wanting to prevent pregnancy). They must be informed and empowered to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. And when they decide to have children, people must have access to skilled health care providers and services that can help them have a fit pregnancy, safe birth, and healthy baby.  ”

– United Nations Population Fund 

Why Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters

High-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare empowers people to make decisions that are right for them. It is central to their ability to make decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children. 

  • Healthy Lifestyles

    Sexual and reproductive health services help people adopt healthy lifestyles and address health challenges before having children. Services reduce risks such as substance abuse, physical violence, maternal depression, and delayed prenatal care. 

  • Barriers for Adolescents

    Young people often face barriers to sexual & reproductive health education and services. Comprehensive, confidential, and inclusive sexual & reproductive health services equip adolescents with the tools to navigate challenges and opportunities during puberty, have healthy relationships, and prevent HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy. 

  • STIs & HIV

    Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV reduces the spread of infectious diseases, decreases infertility rates, and prevents complications for pregnancies and babies.

  • Contraception

    Patients report that access to contraception enables them to take better care of themselves and their families, support themselves financially, complete their education, and get or keep a job. 

  • Structural Oppression

    Structural oppression - particularly for Indigenous communities, people of color, and people with disabilities - continues to have impacts through modern inequities in sexual and reproductive health. Learning about sexual & reproductive health, and accessing comprehensive, inclusive, client-centered services, empowers affected communities to improve their health status and advance health equity. 

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