| U.S. Foreign Policy and the Sexual and Reproductive Rights and Health of Women and Girls |
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The United States is a powerhouse in both the global arena and countries in which it invests. The International Women’s Health Coalition works to ensure that U.S. policies meet the needs of women and young people everywhere. In partnership with domestic and international advocates, IWHC works with the Administration and Congress to align U.S. policies and funding to meet these needs which will have a positive impact at the individual, community, national, and global levels.
Our goal is that the U.S. government consistently uses its political power and weight to promote and secure universal access to sexual and reproductive rights and health in its domestic policies and around the world. This includes contraception, safe abortion, maternity care, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, comprehensive sexuality education, and protection of sexual and reproductive rights.
Investing in Sexual and Reproductive Health
While some global health programs have seen growing investments, key programs for sexual and reproductive health have not. IWHC is working with others to ensure that the United States provide its fair share of the global need for family planning and maternal health programs, as well as supporting comprehensive sexuality education programs.
Ending Child Marriage
More than 50 million girls worldwide are married before the age of 18, and in certain regions of the world, more than half of all girls are married before their 15th birthday. Child marriage denies them their human rights, and often results in these young girls getting pulled out of school while also putting them at greater risk for HIV infection, domestic violence, and dying in childbirth. IWHC serves as co-chair of the Coalition for Adolescent Girls and Girls Not Brides: U.S. Partnership to End Child Marriage. Learn more.
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