An Overview of the SRHR Landscape in Canada and Around the World
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) encompasses the full range of human rights related to sexuality, gender, and reproduction, including sexual and reproductive health. SRHR is premised upon the human rights of all persons to make free and informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive lives without violence, coercion, and discrimination. SRHR includes not only the absence of illnesses, but also physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality and reproduction. Addressing the full range of sexual and reproductive health and rights needs of all people throughout their lives is essential to ensuring a just society and fulfilling everyone’s right to life, health, equality, and a life free from discrimination.
Neglected Areas of SRHR
When we look at sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally, we focus on key neglected areas:
Access to Abortion Comprehensive Sexuality Education Contraception SRHR Advocacy
Stigma surrounding sex, pleasure, and adolescent sexuality—as well as systemic gender and social norms that do not recognize women’s and young people’s rights to control their own bodies—contributes to the exclusion and neglect of SRHR within public discourse, state policies, and budgetary measures. These deeply entrenched social and political norms exist in all parts of the world, disproportionately impact communities already subjected to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, and create gaps in social protection and health systems that can have fatal consequences.
While sexual and reproductive rights are recognized in national laws and international agreements and are a core component of sustainable development, gender equality, and human rights, implementation and accountability continue to be a challenge. Some investments and advancements have been made; however, gains are inconsistent, and gaps remain, with several neglected areas requiring closer attention and higher levels of investment.
SRHR and Human Rights
SRHR Factsheets
These factsheet provide information on applying a human rights-based approach to advocacy on the neglected areas of SRHR.
- Abortion and Human Rights
- Contraception and Human Rights
- Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and Human Rights
- SRHR and Human Rights