Women's Reproductive Rights: a Way to Gender Justice

Abstract

For generations, women have been battling for reproductive rights. Because of moral, ethical, and religious reasons, these rights have always been a contentious issue. Do reproductive rights simply imply the ability to reproduce? Is the issue, on the other hand, intrinsically tied to the myriad questions surrounding women's reproductive freedom? The ability to reproduce appears to be what distinguishes women from men. Do women, however, have control over their own reproduction? Do women have the right to decide whether, when, and how many children they want? Do women have access to safe methods of birth control? Do women have the right to an abortion that is safe? Is it possible to separate sexuality from reproduction? A resounding 'NO' in response to many similar inquiries sparked the birth of the women's health movement in several regions of the world in the early 1970s. It began with modest 'consciousness raising' groups that disseminated knowledge among women about the functioning of their bodies and gradually expanded into multi-faceted campaigns that have profoundly influenced health policies in many nations. Human Rights are those rights that should be available to every individual without any form of discrimination. The foundation of freedom is recognition of the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. The most essential human right is the right to life. It is the highest human right, from which no exceptions are authorised. It cannot be taken away. The arbitrary deprivation of life is prohibited by Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, there are several contentious concerns surrounding this greatest privilege. One such issue is the matter of abortion rights. Among other women's rights, it is thought that every mother has a universal right to abortion. But the rights of the mother are to be balanced with the rights of the unborn. Previously, abortion was not permitted and was vehemently opposed by society. Terminating a pregnancy was considered a murder of the foetus. However, because to changes in time and technology, most governments now recognise this right, following the historic Roe v. Wade decision by the US Supreme Court. However, opponents remain, and many individuals believe that it should be made illegal.