Only 56 percent of women worldwide can freely decide about their bodies and their sexuality. For example, the others do not have access to contraceptives or cannot freely choose their sexual partners. This is a result of the UNFPA World Population Report 2024.
Other reasons for a lack of physical and sexual self-determination include the ban on abortion and genital mutilation. The United Nations Population Fund report examines the past thirty years. This shows that twice as many modern contraceptives are used today than thirty years ago, and that the number of unplanned pregnancies has decreased. Girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 19 are less likely to have children today than in 1994. In addition, maternal mortality has fallen worldwide. However, in some countries, such as the US, maternal mortality rose again between 2016 and 2020. This concerns women who die during pregnancy, childbirth or shortly after childbirth.
Pregnancies as a health risk
Pregnancies still pose a health risk to many women. According to the report, one in two pregnancies are unintended and one in ten women cannot decide whether or not to use contraception. The highest birth rates are in the countries where women are least allowed to decide on contraception, says Henrike Brandstötter, spokeswoman for NEOS women. Therefore, more awareness programs and money for education are needed.
To improve physical self-determination worldwide, measures must be tailored to the target group, for example specifically tailored to sex workers and people with disabilities, according to Faika El-Nagashi (Greens).
“Relatively happy” situation in Austria
In Austria, the situation of women is “relatively happy”, says Willibald Zeck, responsible for women’s health at the UN. However, the results achieved so far, such as the abortion deadline, should not be lost and further consensus could be found within the EU.
The SPÖ, the Greens and NEOS absolutely see the need to catch up. SPÖ women’s spokeswoman Eva-Maria Holzleitner pointed out on Thursday that costs of several hundred euros, such as the IUD, can be burdensome and that more attention should be paid to the individual when it comes to contraception. Access should not be a one-size-fits-all pill. Furthermore, the SPÖ and the Greens call for legal, comprehensive and free abortions.
Brandstötter sees problems in the demand for data and motive studies on abortion, because this can lead to judgments. Some government programs currently state that adoption should be promoted as an alternative to abortion.
System overwhelmed?
Sex education and education in schools were also mentioned as important aspects. Currently, implementation is still dependent on the individual location, young people are misinformed by artificial intelligence and the system is likely overwhelmed. According to the Greens, external expertise is needed for which quality standards and resources must be established.
“Fundamental rights are under constant political threat,” said MP El-Nagaschi. In 1994, the United Nations recognized sexual and reproductive health and related rights as human rights. Much has been accomplished since then, Zeck said. Nevertheless, inequalities in physical self-determination worldwide still need to be overcome. In Austria, for example, the impartial parliamentary group for sexual and reproductive health and rights is committed to #parlaandsex.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
