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HOME: POPULATION ISSUES: Improving Reproductive Health
Reproductive Rights
Life Cycle Approach
Reproductive Health Services
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Publications



Publications on Reproductive Health
Reproductive Health: A Measure of Equity Reproductive Health: A Measure of Equity
The Benefits of Investing In Sexual and Reproductive Health Care The Benefits of Investing In Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
Reducing Poverty Reducing Poverty and Achieving the Millenium Development Goals
This section of the web, Improving Reproductive Health, was last updated in May 2007.
Morocco. South. Town of  Tan Tan. 1986. --  Copyright Harry Gruyaert / Magnum Photos

Improving Reproductive Health

Everyone has the right to enjoy reproductive health, which is a basis for having healthy children, intimate relationships and happy families. Reproductive health encompasses key areas of the UNFPA vision – that every child is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.

But reproductive health problems remain the leading cause of ill health and death for women of childbearing age worldwide. Impoverished women, especially those living in developing countries, suffer disproportionately from unintended pregnancies, maternal death and disability, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, gender-based violence and other problems related to their reproductive system and sexual behaviour. Because young people often face barriers in trying to get the information or care they need, adolescent reproductive health is another important focus of UNFPA programming.

The critical importance of reproductive health to development has been acknowledged at the highest level. At the 2005 World Summit, world leaders agreed to integrate access to reproductive health into national strategies to attain the Millennium Development Goals. UNFPA is fully committed to mobilizing support and scaling up efforts to make reproductive health for all a reality by 2015.

News and Updates
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New Plan to Save Women's Lives in Laos
UNFPA Responds to the Health Sector Crisis in Zimbabwe
Campaign to End Fistula Wins Prestigious Award and Recognition as a Champion in the Field of Public Health
Legacy of War: An Epidemic of Sexual Violence in DRC
Afghan Mullahs Promote Women's Health and Rights
Cultural Dimensions of Safe Childbirth in Thailand


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