1.4 Sexual and Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights
Every person is entitled to certain universal basic human rights that cannot be taken away (United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 1998). Examples of human rights include not being put into slavery or not being tortured, or simply the right of free speech.
How are human rights connected to sexual and reproductive rights? First, when basic human rights are not being met, it is difficult for people to be able to make decisions about their sexuality in the ways that are best for them. For example, if someone doesn’t have the right to education, it can be more difficult for them to make informed decisions about reducing their risk for an unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection. Developing formal skills, such as reading and critical thinking, allows people to acquire and comprehend information crucial to making informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and lives. These are the skills that contribute to effective communication with partners and the ability to talk about and create sexually pleasurable experiences. Second, some human rights are directly related to sexuality and reproduction. For example, the right to marry and start a family when a person is of consenting age are not only human rights, but reproductive and sexual rights.
An important component of these rights is the concept of reproductive justice. SisterSong defines reproductive justice as “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.” It’s critical to point out that this term was created by a group of Black women in 1994 in response to the women’s rights movement at the time being led by white women of middle and high socioeconomic status, which wasn’t inclusive of people with marginalized identities. The creators of the reproductive justice movement formed to collectively address the needs of people of color, indigenous peoples, and transgender people (SisterSong, n.d.). Below, Monica Simpson, Executive Director of SisterSong, explains more on the concept of reproductive justice.
The World Association for Sexual Health’s Declaration of Sexual Rights (PDF) (2014) outlines additional human rights that relate to sexuality, including:
- Pleasurable and satisfying sexual experiences when dignity, safety, responsibility, and mutual respect are present;
- Voluntary actions that are freely consented to by all parties involved;
- Freedom to choose partners without persecution, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation;
- Freedom to enter or exit relationships, including marriage, based on free and full consent;
- Ability and access to protect oneself through barriers, contraception, vaccines, medication, or other means;
- Protecting partners from unintended health consequences.
- Bodily autonomy and integrity;
- Reproduction freedom, including whether or not to have children and how many;
- Ability and access to choose the outcome of one’s own pregnancy, including abortion, adoption, or parenting;
- Parenting children in safe environments;
- Access to accurate and education, including comprehensive sexuality education; and
- Freedom from sexual violence or exploitation.
A struggle to meet human rights and sexual and reproductive rights exists all over the world (Amnesty International, n.d.). Each country has its own systems of power that dictate if and the degree to which someone can control their own sexuality and reproduction. These systems can be influenced by societal, cultural, or religious norms, to name a few examples, as well as the resources of a country. Keep these sexual and reproductive rights in mind as you consider your ability to make decisions in your own life.
Optional Reflection: Sexuality and Systems of Power
Take a moment to consider how this information applies to your life. You can type your response below and have the option to export your reflection by advancing to the next slide using the button at the bottom of the text box. Please note, the e-textbook platform does not collect or save your responses.
Resources
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Sexual and Reproductive Rights (Amnesty International)
Self-Assess Your Understanding
- How are human rights connected to sexual and reproductive rights?
According to SisterSong (n.d.), “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.”