Reproductive rights are legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health.

The
World Health Organization defines reproductive rights as follows:

Reproductive rights rest on the recognition of the basic right of all couples and individuals to decide
freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and
means to do so, and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. They also
include the right of all to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and
violence.

Within the framework of the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of health as a state of
complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,
reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, addresses the reproductive processes, functions and
system at all stages of life.[1] Reproductive health, therefore, implies that people are able to have a
responsible, satisfying and safer sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom
to decide if, when and how often to do so. Implicit in this are the right of men and women to be
informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of birth control of
their choice; and the right of access to appropriate health care services of sexual and reproductive
medicine that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples
with the best chance of having a healthy infant.

An unofficial working definition for sexual health is that "Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional,
mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction
or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual
relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of
coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights
of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled."[3] However, this is not an official WHO
position, and should not be used or quoted as a WHO definition.[3]

Early childbearing and other behaviours can have health risks for women and their infants. Waiting until
a woman is at least 18 years old before trying to have children improves maternal and child health.[6][7]
If an additional child is desired, it is considered healthier for mother, as well as for the succeeding child,
to wait at least 2 years after previous birth before attempting to conceive.[6] After a miscarriage or
abortion, it is healthier to wait at least 6 months.[6]

The WHO estimates that each year, 358 000 women die due to complications related to pregnancy and
childbirth; 99% of these deaths occur within the most disadvantaged population groups living in the
poorest countries of the world.[8] Most of these deaths can be avoided with improving women's access
to quality care from a skilled birth attendant before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth.