Dr. Sajith Mohan R,Consultant,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum
This year’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day theme is “Empowering Choices: Access to Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare for All.” It highlights the importance of providing everyone with accurate information and services to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
It is an essential occasion to highlight the importance of sexual and reproductive health rights and access to quality healthcare services for all individuals. The theme for 2025 underscores the need for comprehensive awareness, de-stigmatization, and healthcare accessibility, as these are critical factors in promoting the well-being of communities.
Sexual and reproductive health encompasses
The ability to have a safe and satisfying sexual life,The freedom to decide when and how many children to have,Access to essential healthcare services throughout a person’s reproductive life.
Despite its importance, millions of people worldwide face significant barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare, including gender discrimination, socio-economic inequality, and limited education.
Key Components of Sexual and Reproductive Health:
1. Family Planning:Access to contraceptive methods, information, and counseling to help individuals plan pregnancies and prevent unintended ones.
2. Maternal and Child Health:
Care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period to ensure the health of both the mother and child.
3. Sexual Health:
Promotion of safe sexual practices, prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and access to treatment for sexual health concerns.
4. Comprehensive Sexual Education:
Providing individuals, especially youth, with accurate and age-appropriate information about their sexual and reproductive health, relationships, and rights.
5. Prevention and Treatment of STIs:
Including HIV/AIDS prevention, early detection, and management.
6. Safe Abortion Services:
Access to safe and legal abortion care and post-abortion support.
7. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment:
Addressing gender-based violence, discrimination, and harmful cultural practices to ensure that everyone can make informed choices about their reproductive health.
Promotes Healthy Relationships: Fosters mutual respect, consent, and communication in intimate relationships.
Prevents STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies: Ensures access to contraception and health services to avoid health complications.
Reduces Maternal and Infant Mortality: Ensures access to skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Empowers Individuals: Enables people to make informed choices about their health, bodies, and relationships.
Supports Economic and Social Development: Healthy individuals contribute more positively to society, education, and the economy.
This year’s message emphasizes the role of education and awareness in breaking down the barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services. Comprehensive sexual education is crucial for young people to make informed decisions about their health, relationships, and future.
Empowering individuals with accurate information can help reduce unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence while fostering respectful and consensual relationships.
Moreover, addressing stigma and cultural taboos surrounding sexual health is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Open conversations about sexual and reproductive health help dismantle harmful stereotypes and encourage people to seek care without fear or shame. Community engagement and education campaigns are powerful tools in normalizing discussions around sexual health and promoting respectful, positive attitudes.
The 2025 message also focuses on gender equality as a crucial component of sexual and reproductive health. Women’s empowerment and gender equity play a significant role in enabling individuals to make decisions about their bodies and reproductive health.
As we observe Sexual and Reproductive Health Day 2025, let us commit to fostering a society where sexual and reproductive health rights are respected and upheld. Sexual and reproductive health should be recognised as a fundamental human right, and everyone is empowered to make informed choices about their health and relationships. It is essential for overall well-being and promoting it ensures healthier, empowered communities and a better future for all.
