What is reproductive health?

Reproduction is a biological process by which offspring are produced and is a fundamental feature of all life. Sexual reproduction concerns the production of new, living organisms from two individuals of different sexes. Reproductive health is far broader than this, being a state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing in all matters relating to the reproductive system.

In this step, Professor Pat Doyle describes the different domains that are included under the term ‘reproductive health’ and explains why they are important. These domains broadly fall under four groups:

• Having a safe, pleasurable sexual life
• Maintaining a healthy reproductive system
• Bearing children safely
• Avoiding unwanted births.

The following steps concentrate on making every birth wanted, exploring contraception and safe abortion in more detail.