Reproduction, a natural phenomenon which takes place in all living things is the creation of younger species via the female and male mating. Reproduction amongst other categories of living things are said to be common, processual and without concrete rules as it is systematically oriented, but how come the word Reproductive rights??
Well, the word is applicable to only a specific class of higher intelligent creatures and that's the human race. Like the humans who have certain rights like: right to life, right to fair hearing, right to education etc. Reproductive rights is aimed at giving individuals the liberty to make decisions regarding their reproductive health inclusive of abortion, contraceptives and unlimited access to reproductive healthcare services. But this freedom has raised an alarm has humans tend to misuse and abuse this right posing controversy in the society due to differing moral, religious and ethical beliefs
Let's further discuss certain reproductive rights which has been abused
Abortion
Abortion is a rampant and popular reproductive right abused by many especially amongst my fellow teenage girls. This is the removal of unwanted foetus during pregnancy, I personally call it a murder case because it is putting an abrupt end to life.
Well, it is the most contentious aspect of reproductive rights, while proponents argue that it is beneficial for rape cases or when a mother's life is at stake during pregnancy, others including I tend to say that life begins at conception which means that it is morally unacceptable and scriptural as seen in the holy book besides research shows that approximately 63.9% deaths occur annually from post-abortion abnormity, every advantage has its own disadvantage. However, we've all got our personal decisions to make
Access to contraception
This is another key aspect of reproductive rights, this could be said to be preventive measures to avoid pregnancy either in the forms of pills, herbs, liquids, creams etc. Well, it is said that prevention is better than cure, but it is also advisable to be careful and conscientious when making such decisions. Non-the-less, this has been a controversial issue as many air their beliefs that contraceptives aid reduce unintended pregnancies which curbs the need for abortion and of course promotes women autonomy and health. Others still, due to moral and religious grounds opposes certain methods which I find understandable.
Sex education
Sex education is most often debated when it comes to discussions of reproductive rights. Advocates argue that providing young people woth adequate information about reproductive health, contraception and STDs is essential as it enlightens and empowers them to make unignorant, well informed decisions while others may argue that until a child comes up to a particular age should he/she be educated. However, it would be thoughtful if parents, schools and religious institutions tactically elaborates on sex not minding the age because delay is dangerous
Family Planning Services
Family Planning is an agreed condition decided by married mates on the amount of children they want, kind of fertility services to use, prenatal care and issues concerning adoption. Well, this makes for orderliness in birth circle and control. Family Planning tends to stir up controversy as some individuals tend to disagree with the government on legalising certain aspects of this as in the case of surrogacy, giving individuals right to access fertility services through massive funding, while some find it helpful and thoughtful of both governmental and non governmental agencies, others still find it faulty while nurturing and upholding their beliefs
While the controversies surrounding reproductive rights are obvious to the public being particularly spearheaded by the opinions pf the people, it is however necessary that legal laws should be made to govern individuals reproductive choices and decisions. Reproduction being the root of a country's population is worth all the laws and rules to protect and aid in citizens in decision making through:
Human rights framework: Reproductive rights being a subset of human rights should be well protected under international law. As such, violation of such rights can be fully subjected to international scrutiny and legal mechanisms.
Judicial Interpretation: The courts playing a significant role in law interpretation and constitutional laws relating to reproductive rights should ensure the establishment of legal precedents, this will go a long way in shaping the extent to which these rights are implemented and monitored
Public opinion and advocacy: the people's voice matters a whole lot in cases where it has to do with fundamental human rights, thus while considering law enactment and its protocols, the people's response should be considered and made to be favourable and adherence oriented
Conclusively, reproductive health being so delicate and important is to be considered on a trivial matter but a weighty one as it touches deeply personal, ethical and societal issues making them a persistent and complex controversy worldwide although it differs according to the geographical area of which a particular idea is being upheld.
All citizens are entitled to fair reproductive rights but should ensure that the choices they make are standardized to avoid future regrets.
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