Reproductive Health Act Overview

Reproductive Health Act

• Reproductive health care: Prioritization of poor, marginalized groups. National government responsible for providing care, information, and supplies, consistent with health and life rights.

• Individual preferences: Respect for individual preferences in family planning, with consideration for religious and cultural beliefs.

• Community participation: Non-government organizations (NGOs), women's groups, and communities play critical roles in reproductive health programs and policies.

• Post-abortion care: Legal and punishable abortion; however, comprehensive, compassionate care for post-abortion complications is required.

• Family size determination: Families have the right to determine their ideal family size. The government is obligated to provide information about family life, reproductive health, and responsible parenthood.

• No demographic targets: Reproductive health is not tied to population targets, stabilization of population growth is not a goal.

• Gender equality/empowerment: Gender equality and women's empowerment are central to reproductive health and development. Resources should benefit the whole population, especially the vulnerable.

• Comprehensive reproductive health programs: Programs should address the needs of people across all life stages; should protect the life of the unborn.

Definitions

• Abortifacient: Any drug or device inducing abortion or preventing a fertilized ovum's implantation.

• Adolescent: Young people aged 10-19.

• Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC): Lifesaving services for maternal and newborn complications (e.g., oxytocic drugs, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, assisted deliveries, placental removal).

• Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC): BEMONC plus surgical delivery, blood bank services, and specialized interventions.

• Family planning: Programs enabling individuals to decide freely on family size, spacing, and access to safe methods.

• Fetal and infant death review: Qualitative, in-depth study of causes to improve programs.

• Gender equality: Principle of equal rights and opportunities between genders.

• Gender equity: Policies/programs addressing the disadvantaged position of women through preferential treatment.

• Male responsibility: Male involvement in sexual and reproductive health, and care for men's specific health concerns.

• Maternal death review: Study of maternal death causes to prevent future deaths.

• Maternal health: Health of women of reproductive age (pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum)

Explore the key provisions of the Reproductive Health Act, which emphasizes equitable care for marginalized groups and respects individual family planning preferences. This quiz covers critical aspects such as community participation, post-abortion care, and the importance of informed decision-making regarding family size.