The international target of universal access to reproductive health is vital to the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to the effective implementation of population, health, and development policies. Attaining sexual and reproductive health and rights for all requires an essential policy package, which originated at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and remains relevant today.

Universal access to reproductive health is vital to the effective implementation of population, health and development policies and to the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This IWHC brief describes in practical terms the justification for and components of the essential policy and program package. 

April 22, 2010—The International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC) today lauded the introduction of the Global Sexual and Reproductive Health Act of 2010 in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11).  

Every year, more than half a million women die and untold numbers suffer temporary or long-term disabilities from preventable pregnancy-related causes. Five complications account for the majority of maternal deaths worldwide. Read more in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese.

Recent research suggests that male circumcision may be a cost-effective means of reducing HIV infection rates, especially in generalized epidemics where more than one percent of the population is living with HIV/AIDS.

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>>To view more issue briefs from the Young Adolescents' Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights series, click here.

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Safe abortion—the termination of a pregnancy by trained health care providers using correct, sanitary technique and proper equipment—is a simple, lifesaving health service. Nonetheless, of the 42 million induced abortions each year, an estimated 20 million are unsafe and 97% of those occur in developing countries.  Every year, nearly 70,000 women die unnecessarily from the complications of unsafe abortions, and countless more suffer infections, infertility, and debilitating injuries.

From new commitments to sex education programs to progress on securing a women's right to abortion, these ten developments show that women's health was a priority concern in 2007, and will continue to require our attention and dedication in 2008.

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