These rights are coined from the regular rights for
all persons, individual and couples to make their
informed decision freely and
responsibly in issues concerning reproductive health such as deciding the number
of, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means
to do so.
This
also considers the right of individual’s to be free from discrimination,
coercion and violence in all matters relating to reproductive health, as
expressed in human rights documents.
Health is the level of functionality and metabolic performance of all living organisms. In humans it is the sum total ability of individuals or communities to
adapt when faced with physical, mental, psychological and social changes within
the environment.
The World Health
Organization (WHO) defined health as "a state of complete physical,
mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity.
Must Read: TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD
Must Read: TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD
Within the framework of WHO’s definition of health as a
state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity, reproductive health addresses the reproductive
processes, functions and system at all stages of life.
Reproductive health,
therefore, implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying health
as regarding all matters concerning reproductive systems and life including a
safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to
decide if, when and how often to do
so.
Implicit in this are the right of men and women to be
informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable
methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the right of access to
appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through
pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a
healthy infant.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN-RIGHTS
Human rights are based on core principles like fairness, equality, autonomy, respect and dignity.
These principles are considered because of their
relevance to the day-to-day life events and protect others even at the face of
promoting individual’s freedom.
Twelve Human Rights Key to Reproductive Rights
- The Right to Life.
- The Right to Liberty and Security of Person.
- The Right to Health, including Sexual and Reproductive Health.
- The Right to Decide the Number and Spacing of Children.
- The Right to Consent to Marriage and to Equality in Marriage.
- The Right to Privacy.
- The Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination.
- The Right to be Free from Practices that Harm Women and Girls.
- The Right Not to be subjected to Torture or Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
- The Right to be Free from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
- The Right to Access Sexual and Reproductive Health Education and Family Planning Information.
- The Right to Enjoy the Benefits of Scientific Progress.
Author: Mrs. Nweke Chigozie
Tags
FAMILY