Recently, the term ” reproductive health” is being used quite frequently by media. What is the meaning of reproductive health?
Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes. Reproductive health, therefore, is determined by a number of factors, important among those are consciousness for maintaining reproductive health, life style, gender equality and equity, level of socio economic development and quality of health care. For social as well as for genetic reasons, females bear most of the burden of reproductive ill health. Owing to early marriage, they have premature and excessive child bearing. They are more vulnerable to reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Often they are victims of inhuman acts like sexual harassment, and even rape. Improving reproductive health, therefore, is not only essential for improving general health but also the basis for women’s empowerment and one of the foundatio
