Health

Women's health involves their emotional, social and physical well being. it is determined by the social, political and economic context of their lives, as well as by biology. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is vital for the life and well being of women. It is also crucial to their ability to participate in all areas of public and private life, This right must be secured throughout their whole life cycle in equality with men.

The Platform defines reproductive health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and sexual health whose purpose is the enhancement of life and personal relations. Equal relationships between men and women in matters of sexual relations and reproduction require mutual respect, consent and shared responsibility. The Platform recognizes that reproductive rights rest on the recognition of the basic human rights of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly how many children they want to have, and when. They also have the right to obtain information and make decisions on reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence.

The Platform recommends action to:

Increase women's access throughout the life cycle to appropriate, affordable and quality health care, information and related services;
Reduce maternal mortality by at least 50 per cent of the 1990 levels by the year 2000 and a further one half by the year 2015;
Encourage both women and men to take responsibility for their sexual and reproductive behaviour;
Undertake gender sensitive initiatives that address sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health issues;
Increase resources and monitor follow up for women's health.

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