Sexual and reproductive rights

A young survivor of sexual violence reading a poster on domestic violence, at the centre which provides her with psychological support. � Amnesty InternationalSexual and reproductive rights are firmly rooted in the most basic human rights principles guaranteed by international law. Yet today many women and girls do not have control over their own bodies or their sexual and reproductive rights.

This leads to preventable deaths and injuries - particularly of vulnerable women and girls living in poverty and survivors of sexual violence - and contributes to the continuing subordination of women. Therefore, we are working to safeguard women's rights in the following areas:

Butterfly solidarity action for Nicaraguan women

A butterfly of hopeAll summer we asked you to create a butterfly as a symbol of solidarity with people in Nicaragua fighting for sexual and reproductive rights. If you were one of the thousands of people took part both in the UK and around the world, thank you. Find out more about the campaign

Family planning

A women's centre lawyer supports Connie, a young victim of sexual violence between the ages of nine and 14, as she tells her story to AI delegates. Amnesty International (photo: Grace Gonzalez) Family planning is key to saving women's lives and empowering them to delay or prevent pregnancy, or decide when and how many children they want to have.

However, 215 million women in poorer countries have an unmet need for contraception. In the least developed countries up to 25 per cent of women are unable to access it. This partly due to expense and also because men often control the finances and prevent women's access to family planning.

In countries such as Indonesia, the law requires a woman to get her husband's consent to access certain contraception methods.  This constitutes gender discrimination on the grounds of marital status. It also leaves married women and girls at risk of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and human rights abuses.

Abortion

A young survivor of sexual violence at the centre where she receives pschological support. Copyright: Amnesty International In some countries, an abortion requires the consent of a man or may be denied (and criminalised) in all circumstances.

In cases where a woman or girl's life or health is at risk or when pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, the denial or abortion violates a woman's right to life, health and non-discrimination. It is also a form of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment.

As usual, it is the most vulnerable women and girls who are most affected: victims of rape and incest; women living in poverty; the youngest; and those affected by conflict.