Adolescent sexual and reproductive health: The global challenges

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015 Oct:131 Suppl 1:S40-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.02.006. Epub 2015 Feb 26.

Abstract

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) has been overlooked historically despite the high risks that countries face for its neglect. Some of the challenges faced by adolescents across the world include early pregnancy and parenthood, difficulties accessing contraception and safe abortion, and high rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Various political, economic, and sociocultural factors restrict the delivery of information and services; healthcare workers often act as a barrier to care by failing to provide young people with supportive, nonjudgmental, youth-appropriate services. FIGO has been working with partners and its member associations to break some of these barriers-enabling obstetricians and gynecologists to effect change in their countries and promote the ASRH agenda on a global scale.

Keywords: Abortion; Adolescents; Contraception; HIV/AIDS; Pregnancy; Sexual and reproductive health.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced / psychology
  • Abortion, Induced / trends
  • Adolescent
  • Contraception Behavior / psychology
  • Contraception Behavior / trends
  • Female
  • Global Health / trends*
  • Health Services Accessibility / trends*
  • Humans
  • Maternal Health Services / trends*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence / psychology
  • Reproductive Health / trends*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / psychology
  • Women's Health / trends*