CHAPTER 2: REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN THE WORK OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS: KEY FINDINGS
2.1.2 There are similarities but important differences between NHRIs in terms of their
identification of the most important reproductive rights issues
All NHRIs were asked to list the most important issues facing their country with respect to
reproductive rights. The issues most commonly identified as important included the following:
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Maternal mortality
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Infant & child mortality
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Lack of awareness about issues related to reproduction and reproductive rights
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Lack of access to adequate reproductive services including family planning (either
generally or in relation to specific vulnerable groups)
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Harmful practices such as early marriage and forced marriage;
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Lack of control over reproductive decision making including about the number and
spacing of children
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The question of abortion including unsafe abortion
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Adolescent sexuality including teenage pregnancy
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Lack of education, knowledge and services related to sexually transmitted diseases
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Harmful cultural and religious influences over matters related to reproductive rights
Most NHRIs also cited violence against women, including sexual violence and harassment, as
an issue that either directly or indirectly impacts on the ability of women to enjoy reproductive
rights. One NHRI noted that violence against pregnant women by their spouses was a major
concern. In some countries gender-based violence was considered to be a major obstacle to
realization of reproductive rights.
Some NHRIs highlighted issues that may be broader than or not completely overlapping with
reproductive rights such as the right to health, HIV/AIDS, and trafficking for sexual exploitation.
While most respondents confirmed that they engaged with the international human rights system
in various ways, very few were able to provide specific examples of such engagement relating
directly to reproductive rights issues.
The majority of NHRIs cited at least one issue that appeared to be country-specific. The
following issues were mentioned as important by just one or two NHRIs:
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Access to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) including for sexual minorities
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Foetal alcohol syndrome in indigenous communities
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Work-related discrimination against mothers and pregnant women
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