Sexual and reproductive health is defined as complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters related to sexuality and reproduction. This includes:

• freedom to decide if, when and how often to have children
• access to safe, effective and affordable contraception
• effective and accessible health care for women during pregnancy and childbirth to provide the best chance for a healthy mother and infant
• a safe and satisfying sex life
• healthy sexual development
• equitable and responsible relationships
• freedom from illness, disease, disability, violence and harmful practices related to sexuality

Key social factors that affect health:

Gender: Women face systematic denial of their rights, particularly women who have been widowed, divorced or abandoned. Child marriage, lack of education and gender-based violence also jeopardize women’s right to health.

Age and agency: Youth are often isolated or excluded from decision making or denied access to health, education or livelihood opportunities.

Sexuality: Social norms frequently restrict sex education, reinforce vulnerability to coerced sex, stigmatize sex work, link women’s virginity with identity or power, discriminate against sexual minorities or promote use of sexual violence.

Masculine identity: Men and boys face social norms that promote aggression, violence and limited emotional expression, and limit opportunities for access to reproductive health programs.

Power and race, caste, religion: Stigma and discrimination based on group identity adversely affect sexual and reproductive health.