Australian Women’s Health Network Inc., 2019
The Australian Women’s Health Network first published its Women and Sexual and Reproductive Health Position Paper in 2012. Since then significant work has been undertaken across Australia in this area and a number of its recommendations have been implemented. This has resulted in a robust on going public conversation and a greater understanding of women’s sexual and reproductive ill health, its impact, what drives it and how best to prevent it. These gains have only been possible through continuing evidence-informed advocacy, research and practice development.
In light of the new knowledge and experience available, and changes to the political, organisational and social landscape in 2019, the Australian Women’s Health Network has updated its Women and Sexual and Reproductive Health paper to produce
this Second Edition.
This paper advocates for a rights-based approach to ensuring all women can access comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care appropriate to their needs,
regardless of their location, age, sexuality, financial status and religious and cultural background. It explores seven key areas through which good sexual and reproductive
health for Australian women can be achieved.
These are:
1. promoting positive and respectful attitudes to sex and sexuality
2. developing women’s health literacy
3. increasing reproductive choice
4. facilitating women’s health throughout pregnancy and birth
5. expanding prevention and treatment of reproductive cancers and menstrual issues
6. improving prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
7. equipping the health workforce to better respond to women’s health needs.