OPINION: On Reproductive Rights, Progress with Concerns

Contraceptives on sale at a store in Sanaa, Yemen. Credit: Rebecca Murray/IPSBy Joseph ChamieNEW YORK, Oct 1 2014 (IPS)For most of human history, reproductive rights essentially meant men and women accepting the number, timing and spacing of their children, as well as possible childlessness. All this changed radically in the second half of the 20th century with the introduction of new medical technologies aimed at both preventing and assisting human reproduction.Those technologies ushered in historic changes in reproductive rights and behaviour that continue to reverberate around the world, giving rise to increasingly complex theological, ethical and legal concerns that need to be addressed.New reproductive technologies have given rise to serious theological, ethical and legal concerns that have not been satisfactorily addressed.Up until around the middle of the past century, reproductive rights were limited. The available birth control methods were rhythm, coitus interruptus (withdrawal), condoms and for some, the diaphragm.Those methods in too many instances were unreliable and not considered user friendly. Also, while induced abortion has been practiced for ages, it was a drastic, dangerous and largely unlawful medical procedure.In 1960, the oral contraceptive pill was introduced, dramatically transforming women’s reproductive rights and behaviour. In addition to the pill, modern methods of family planning, including the intra uterine device (IUD), injectables, implants...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Development & Aid Gender Global Headlines Health Human Rights IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse LGBTQ Population Poverty & MDGs Religion Women's Health Abortion cloning Contraception ectogenesis Family Planning In Vitro Ferti Source Type: news