Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) are fundamental human rights central to health, dignity, and autonomy. Despite notable gains, SRHR remains a "silent emergency"—underfunded, overlooked, and sidelined in global agendas.

Understanding SRHR: A Basic Right

SRHR includes access to healthcare, education, and informed decision-making free from discrimination, coercion, or violence. These rights are supported by international frameworks such as ICPD and CEDAW.

Stark Realities in Global SRHR

Maternal Mortality: Though reduced by 40% since 2000, 260,000 women died in 2023 from pregnancy-related causes—mostly in low-resource countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa.

Unsafe Abortions: Around 25 million unsafe abortions occur each year, causing 22,800 deaths. Legal access greatly reduces risks.

Unintended Pregnancies: 121 million women face unintended pregnancies annually, driven by lack of contraception, education, and social barriers.

Regional Disparities in SRHR Indicators

• Sub-Saharan Africa faces the world’s highest maternal mortality and adolescent pregnancy rates. Over 75% of abortions are unsafe.
• South Asia shows progress in contraception use but struggles with adolescent pregnancies and access in rural areas.
• Latin America and the Caribbean have improved services in some areas, but disparities in SRHR indicators persist—exacerbated by COVID-19 disruptions.

Impact of Conflict and Crisis

In humanitarian settings, SRHR services often collapse. Conflict increases risks of maternal death and sexual violence. UNFPA supported 2.4 million safe births in 39 crisis-affected countries (2022–2023).

The Role of Education

Only 36% of countries offer in-school comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). Education empowers individuals, delays sexual activity, and reduces health risks.

Why Action Is Urgent

• Funding: UNFPA prevented over 31 million unintended pregnancies and 64,730 maternal deaths in 2022–23, yet funding gaps threaten progress. WHO warns that aid cuts could cause “pandemic-like” setbacks.
• Policy Reform: Restrictive laws, especially around abortion, force unsafe options. As of 2023, 24 countries have near-total abortion bans.
• Gender Equality: SRHR is vital for women’s empowerment. Nearly 1 in 3 women aged 15–49 have faced physical or sexual violence, worsening health outcomes.

Technology and Innovation

Telemedicine and mobile health tools are expanding SRHR access. Yet, the digital divide limits impact—especially for women in low-income areas without internet or devices.

Youth and the Future

21 million girls aged 15–19 become pregnant annually in developing regions. Adolescents face stigma and poor access to services. Countries with strong CSE programs, like Sweden, show better outcomes in teen pregnancy and STIs.

COVID-19: A Major Setback

The pandemic led to 12 million women losing access to family planning and up to 1.4 million unintended pregnancies. Gender-based violence rose, and SRHR services were among the first to be cut during lockdowns.

The Cost of Inaction

Neglecting SRHR leads to more maternal deaths, school dropouts, and poverty. Every $1 invested in contraceptives saves $3 in maternal and newborn care. SRHR is vital to achieving SDGs on health, gender equality, and education.