The political dimension of sexual rights.

Abstract Background The recent commentary article in this journal by Chandra-Mouli et al. speaks of a never-before opportunity to strengthen investment and action on adolescent contraception. We endorse the positive ‘can-do’ tone of the article, but noticed that at least four issues, which in our vi...

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Main Authors: Leon Bijlmakers, Billie de Haas, Anny Peters
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2018-01-01
Series:Reproductive Health
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12978-018-0458-y
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author Leon Bijlmakers
Billie de Haas
Anny Peters
author_facet Leon Bijlmakers
Billie de Haas
Anny Peters
author_sort Leon Bijlmakers
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The recent commentary article in this journal by Chandra-Mouli et al. speaks of a never-before opportunity to strengthen investment and action on adolescent contraception. We endorse the positive ‘can-do’ tone of the article, but noticed that at least four issues, which in our view are crucial, merit a comment. Main body First of all, the article suggests that there is some sort of shared interest, based on a presumed global consensus around the use of contraceptives by adolescents – which is not the case: sexual rights are controversial. Secondly, for real progress in adolescent contraception to occur, we believe it is critical to thoroughly investigate and mention the factors, including political ones, that would need to be overcome. Thirdly, new avenues need to be explored that allow for accurate and positive teaching of adolescents about contraception in socio-cultural and political environments that are ambivalent about the issue. Fourthly, barriers at the global level that we already know of should not be silenced. There is sufficient evidence to call upon donors and international agencies to choose position and stop obstructing women’s – including young women’s – access to a broad range of contraceptives. The ‘She Decides’ movement is a heartening example. Conclusion It is crucial to acknowledge the political dimension of sexual rights. It requires solutions not only at national levels, but also at the global level.
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spelling doaj.art-b994642e74434d4daef2688a933cb3ae2022-12-22T01:40:36ZengBMCReproductive Health1742-47552018-01-011511410.1186/s12978-018-0458-yThe political dimension of sexual rights.Leon Bijlmakers0Billie de Haas1Anny PetersDepartment for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical CentrePopulation Research Centre, University of GroningenAbstract Background The recent commentary article in this journal by Chandra-Mouli et al. speaks of a never-before opportunity to strengthen investment and action on adolescent contraception. We endorse the positive ‘can-do’ tone of the article, but noticed that at least four issues, which in our view are crucial, merit a comment. Main body First of all, the article suggests that there is some sort of shared interest, based on a presumed global consensus around the use of contraceptives by adolescents – which is not the case: sexual rights are controversial. Secondly, for real progress in adolescent contraception to occur, we believe it is critical to thoroughly investigate and mention the factors, including political ones, that would need to be overcome. Thirdly, new avenues need to be explored that allow for accurate and positive teaching of adolescents about contraception in socio-cultural and political environments that are ambivalent about the issue. Fourthly, barriers at the global level that we already know of should not be silenced. There is sufficient evidence to call upon donors and international agencies to choose position and stop obstructing women’s – including young women’s – access to a broad range of contraceptives. The ‘She Decides’ movement is a heartening example. Conclusion It is crucial to acknowledge the political dimension of sexual rights. It requires solutions not only at national levels, but also at the global level.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12978-018-0458-yAdolescent healthContraceptionSexual healthSexual rights
spellingShingle Leon Bijlmakers
Billie de Haas
Anny Peters
The political dimension of sexual rights.
Reproductive Health
Adolescent health
Contraception
Sexual health
Sexual rights
title The political dimension of sexual rights.
title_full The political dimension of sexual rights.
title_fullStr The political dimension of sexual rights.
title_full_unstemmed The political dimension of sexual rights.
title_short The political dimension of sexual rights.
title_sort political dimension of sexual rights
topic Adolescent health
Contraception
Sexual health
Sexual rights
url http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12978-018-0458-y
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