The Movement: Reproductive Health and Rights in 2024

Abstract

Women’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) encompasses several topics, including but not limited to sexual expression, pregnancy, childbirth, contraception, and diseases of the reproductive system. The use of legal authority and power, as well as political influence, have long been factors used to regulate women’s SRH. In the United States (U.S.), examples of state and national legislation have been undertaken to impact SRH and medical treatment and decision-making related to SRH. Several national and international organizations engage in sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) activities. The activities of these national and international organizations in SRH often include policy formulation, data collection, monitoring, reporting, and other functions. While definitions of sexual and reproductive health rights vary, there are commonalities and core issues that can be identified. These include issues related to the LGBTQ population, immigration, and reproductive health rights among minoritized groups, which are leading topics wrapped around SRHR and of debate in recent history. This article aims to discuss sexual and reproductive health in promoting population health and societal well-being, recent policy decisions impacting SRH, and the role nurses play in shaping research, practice, and policies. For this paper, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) are defined as an extension of human rights relating to an individual’s autonomy, sexuality, sexual expression, reproduction, and access to information and resources on SRH. SRHR also includes freedom from violence, discrimination, and mistreatment. While a comprehensive review of these areas is beyond this article's scope, historical and recent examples are illustrated.