Health
Every young person has the right to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. This includes the right to decide whether to have (more) children, access to safe and effective contraception, and receive respectful, high-quality care without stigma or barriers.
The challenge
Access to sexual and reproductive health services is still unequal across the world.
Unsafe abortion remains a major public health issue and is responsible for a significant share of maternal deaths globally. In many contexts, legal restrictions and stigma force people into unsafe conditions.
At the same time, misinformation about contraception, fertility and hormones is increasing, making it harder for people to access reliable information.
Even where services exist, they are not always accessible for people in vulnerable situations due to cost, stigma or social barriers.
Changing needs and behaviours
Contraceptive use is changing in many contexts, including the Netherlands. More people are choosing not to use hormonal contraception or any contraception at all, sometimes without intending to become pregnant.
Globally, however, the unmet need for contraception remains high. Millions of people who want to avoid pregnancy still cannot access modern contraceptive methods.
This gap highlights the need for better information, wider choice and more person-centred care.
Why reproductive health matters
Reproductive health is a human right.
Everyone should be able to make decisions about their bodies without coercion, stigma or violence, whether that means having children, not having (more) children, or deciding when to do so.
When people can access contraception and safe abortion care, they have greater control over their reproductive choices. They are better able to decide if, when and whether to have children, which contributes to healthier pregnancies and helps reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths.
Reproductive health also includes menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy and preconception care. Reliable information across these areas is essential for wellbeing throughout life.
Barriers to care
Despite progress in some countries, many barriers remain:
- Legal restrictions on abortion care
- Social stigma and shame
- Financial and structural barriers
- Misinformation and lack of reliable information
- Unequal access for people in vulnerable situations
These barriers limit reproductive freedom and put health and lives at risk.
Our work
We work to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception and safe abortion care.
We focus on strengthening health systems so they are:
- Accessible
- High-quality
- Inclusive
- Responsive to individual needs
We work with public and private health providers, NGOs and policymakers to improve services and ensure they reach those who need them most.
Information and support
Access to reliable information is essential for informed choice.
We support people with accurate, evidence-based information on:
- Contraception and fertility
- Menstrual and reproductive health
- Pregnancy and preconception care
- Safe abortion care
We also work to counter the impact of misinformation and improve public understanding of reproductive health.
Reducing stigma and inequality
We actively address stigma around contraception, abortion and reproductive choices.
We engage communities – including men and boys – in building understanding and shared responsibility for reproductive health and wellbeing.
We also focus on people in vulnerable situations, ensuring that access to care is not determined by income, background or social status.
Our goal
Everyone should be able to make informed reproductive choices and access the care they need.
Our goal is a world where all people can take control of their bodies, their health and their futures — safely, freely and with dignity.
