REPRODUCTIVE AUTONOMY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: A NARRATIVE REVIEW ON ITS IMPORTANCE, CHALLENGES, AND INTEGRATION WITH THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n5-135Keywords:
Reproductive Autonomy, Public Health, Reproductive Rights, Gender Equality, Sustainable Development GoalsAbstract
Reproductive autonomy constitutes a fundamental human right and an important determinant of public health, gender equality, and sustainable development in the 21st century. This study aimed to discuss the reproductive autonomy of men and women, analyzing its importance for public health and its interfaces with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a narrative literature review of a descriptive and exploratory nature, conducted between February and April 2026 through searches in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases, in addition to institutional documents, books, and international guidelines. Descriptors related to reproductive autonomy, sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, reproductive rights, family planning, and sustainable development were used. At the end of the selection process, 58 materials were included in the review, comprising scientific articles and institutional documents. The findings demonstrated that socioeconomic inequalities, gender-based violence, child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, cultural barriers, low educational level, and weaknesses in health systems limit the full exercise of reproductive autonomy, especially among women and socially vulnerable populations. Contemporary crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, have further intensified inequalities related to access to sexual and reproductive health services. Conversely, intersectoral strategies involving comprehensive sexuality education, strengthening of primary health care, digital inclusion, gender equity, and public policies centered on human rights showed potential to promote reproductive autonomy and reduce health inequalities. It is concluded that integrating reproductive autonomy into the Sustainable Development Goals is essential for promoting health, citizenship, social equity, and the strengthening of human rights in the contemporary context.
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