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 implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe 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 last condition are the rights of men and women to be informed and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice, as well as other methods of their choice for regulation of fertility which are not against the law, and the right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant. In line with the above definition of reproductive health, reproductive health care is defined as the constellation of methods, techniques and services that contribute to reproductive health and well-being by preventing and solving reproductive health problems. It also includes sexual health, the purpose of which is the enhancement of life and personal relations, and not merely counselling and care related to reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases.

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News and press releases

06 November 2006
Asia Pacific Region initiates action to integrate HIV prevention into maternal and child health care services
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16 June 2005
Bid to improve health of the poor
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7 April 2005
Great expectations
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12 October 2004
"Great Expectations" - a unique story of pregnancy and childbirth
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02 June 2000
WHO meeting sets a target of reducing maternal deaths by 30%
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Relevant publications and documents

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