Women’s Reproductive and Health Rights

An Appraisal of Competing Interests

Abstract

Women play a fundamental role in shaping sustainable societies, so it is imperative to recognise and uphold their reproductive rights, ensuring that they have agency over their bodies and health. This holistic approach is not only essential for achieving gender equality but also for fostering broader social, economic, and environmental progress. By prioritising women’s health and well-being, societies lay the foundation for sustainable development that spans generations. The realisation of reproductive rights and ensuring women’s health are crucial for individual well-being and integral to the broader agenda of sustainable development. Under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the global commitment to the unfinished Millennium Development Goals persists. India has pledged to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030; governments have vowed to lower maternal mortality and ensure universal access to reproductive health and rights as a fundamental human right of women. The quest for achieving reproductive rights and improving women’s health as integral components of sustainable development in India is marked by formidable obstacles and persistent challenges. This article delves into the complex landscape of reproductive rights and women’s health in India, analysing how ensuring comprehensive access to reproductive health services and upholding reproductive rights are essential to advancing the SDGs. Through an analysis of data, laws, policies, and landmark judgements, the paper sheds light on the persistent gaps and suggests strategies to bridge them.