Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day is a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as a fundamental pillar of individual well-being and social justice. These rights extend beyond reproductive years, influencing overall health, autonomy, and quality of life. Yet, significant gaps remain in access to SRHR services across Europe, particularly in areas like contraception, abortion care, fertility treatments, and comprehensive sexuality education.
The fundamental importance of SRHR
SRHR is a cornerstone of gender equality, public health, and human rights. Ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare is not merely a policy choice but a moral imperative.
- Comprehensive SRHR services empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices about their bodies and lives.
- Infertility as a reproductive health concern affects 1 in 6 people globally, yet it remains an overlooked issue in many SRHR policies. Recognising infertility and involuntary childlessness as part of SRHR strategies ensures the necessary medical and emotional support to all who wish to try to have children.
- Addressing systemic barriers that limit access to reproductive care is essential in fostering an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
Current challenges in SRHR across Europe
Despite progress, disparities persist in SRHR services across Europe, particularly affecting marginalised communities. Key challenges include:
- Unequal access to contraception, abortion care, and fertility treatments: The Fertility Policies and Contraception Atlases highlight significant gaps, with too many countries restricting people’s reproductive autonomy.
- Limited comprehensive sexuality education: Many young people lack access to accurate and inclusive sexual health education, restricting their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
- Persistent discrimination and legal barriers: Women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and underrepresented communities continue to face exclusion from SRHR services, exacerbating social and health inequalities.
Engagement with Commissioner Lahbib’s Office
Recognising these challenges, the Coalition for Fertility actively engages with EU policymakers, emphasising the urgent need for inclusive fertility policies within the broader SRHR framework. During discussions with Commissioner Lahbib’s office, key points included:
- Addressing involuntary childlessness within the EU Gender Equality Strategy and Women’s Rights Roadmap to ensure reproductive rights remain a priority.
- Involuntary childlessness is a complex socio-economic problem that interacts with many other factors and has gender-specific impacts.
- Recognising the diversity of fertility journeys, including individuals affected by medical conditions, as well as those needing fertility care for other reasons, such as being single or in a same-sex relationship.
- Strengthening EU leadership in defending SRHR health and rights, to ensure further progress, particularly in response to rising anti-rights movements across Europe.
- Contribution to the European Commission’s work to enhance public awareness of fertility and reproductive health as essential components of SRHR.
Call to action: A future of equitable SRHR
To ensure SRHR remains at the forefront of European policy, decisive action is needed:
- EU institutions and Member States must guarantee universal access to SRHR services, including fertility treatments as a core part of reproductive healthcare.
- SRHR policies must be inclusive, ensuring that gender identity, sexual orientation, health status and other factors do not hinder access to care.
- Information is key—expanding comprehensive sexuality education and public information initiatives can empower individuals to take charge of their reproductive health.
The Coalition for Fertility urges policymakers to prioritise reproductive rights within the EU agenda, reinforcing a commitment to equality, access, and empowerment for all individuals. This Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day, let’s advocate for a future where reproductive autonomy is recognised as a universal right, not a privilege.