A Look At Women's Sexual And Reproductive Health & Rights

According to the United Nations Population Fund good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. It implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so. To maintain one's sexual and reproductive health, people need access to accurate information and the safe, effective, affordable and acceptable contraception method of their choice. They must be informed and empowered to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. And when they decide to have children, women must have access to services that can help them have a fit pregnancy, safe delivery and healthy baby. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences -- research has shown that exposure to environmental pollutants may pose the greatest threat to reproductive health. Exposure to lead is associated with reduced fertility in both men and women, while mercury exposure has been linked to birth defects and neurological disorders. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to endocrine disruptors, chemicals that appear to disrupt hormonal activity in humans and animals, may contribute to problems with fertility, pregnancy, and other aspects of reproduction. The reason I wanted to discuss women's sexual and reproductive health and rights is because a few days ago President Donald Trump reinstated the 'Global Gag Rule' which bars U.S. foreign aid from going to any nongovernmental organization that either provides abortion services, or even discusses abortion with its patients as an option for family planning. President Trump has even stated that he plans on appointing Supreme Court Justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade which according to Planned Parenthood (Roe v. Wade, 1973) was a ruling in which the court recognized for the first time that the constitutional right to privacy "is broad enough to encompass a woman's decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy". If President Trump were to appoint Supreme Court Justices who were in fact able to overturn Roe v. Wade this would impact and impede on a women's reproductive rights. To learn more about women's sexual and reproductive health and rights click on the pictures below to read the articles.