The FIGO study group on women’s sexual and reproductive rights

Abstract

In October 1998, the FIGO Executive Board established a Study Group on Women's Sexual and Reproductive Rights to develop specific details regarding observance, enforcement and advancement. At its inaugural meeting in April 1999 the Study Group reviewed international and national progress in respect of such rights. International initiatives had achieved considerable progress towards specification and monitoring of rights, particularly through the committee receiving reports of national compliance under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. National progress was more mixed. While some countries had improved women's sexual and reproductive rights, many had not, and rights in some had regressed. The Study Group considered actions available to FIGO member societies to advance rights in their countries, how advancement of rights might be pursued in countries in general, and initiatives that FIGO itself might undertake and facilitate to protect and promote women's sexual and reproductive rights.