IPPF welcomes the report of the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights launched today which highlights progress made - and what still needs to be done. Crucially, the report presents an expanded and evidenced-based comprehensive definition of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and recommends an all-inclusive package of essential SRH services and information that should be available to everyone.
This recommended package encompasses contraception and HIV prevention, along with services that are often overlooked. These include comprehensive sexuality education, the prevention and treatment of STIs and cancers of reproductive systems, counselling and care related to sexuality, sexual identity and sexual relationships, and safe abortion services. The report also identifies specific groups with distinct SRHR needs who require particular focus so that no-one is left behind. In line with agreed human rights instruments, it provides a clear distinction between the concepts of sexual health, reproductive health, sexual rights, and reproductive rights.
This report will be a useful tool for advocates, policy makers and programme planners around the world. Adapting and implementing the definition and the recommended package of services will help us reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as drawing attention to SRHR-related areas not covered in SDGs, so that people’s needs and rights to enjoy their sexual and reproductive health can be met. This will require commitment at all levels: it entails political will and significant investment.
IPPF joins all stakeholders and commits itself to wider dissemination and implementation of the recommendations in the report. We call upon governments, civil society organizations, funders and others to fully embrace the definition and package of services. IPPF’s vision is for all people to be free to make choices about their sexuality and wellbeing, in a world without discrimination. Through our locally-owned, globally-connected movement we provide and enable services and champion SRHR.
The report aligns with IPPF's Integrated Package of Essential SRH Services (IPES) which promotes comprehensive service provision for the most pressing sexual and reproductive health needs of all, especially for the most marginalised and underserved. We place our clients at the very centre of everything we do, to provide them with rights-based, integrated services.
The report will be a key addition to our resources to guide our future work on advocacy, empowerment, awareness creation and service delivery.
We would like to thank the authors, advisory group members, the Guttmacher Institute, The Lancet and all those who supported the development of this landmark report.
Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director General, IPPF
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