Annex 1 General ­Recommendation Provisions related to Reproductive Rights Paragraphs 22-23 deal more specifically with reproductive health issues: “Some reports disclose coercive practices which have serious consequences for women, such as forced pregnancies, ­abortions or sterilization. Decisions to have children or not, while preferably made in consultation with spouse or partner, must not nevertheless be limited by spouse, parent, partner or Government. In order to make an informed decision about safe and reliable ­contraceptive measures, women must have information about contraceptive measures and their use, and guaranteed access to sex education and family planning services, as provided in article 10 (h) of the Convention There is general agreement that where there are freely available appropriate measures for the voluntary regulation of fertility, the health, development and well-being of all members of the family improves. Moreover, such services improve the ­general quality of life and health of the population, and the voluntary ­regulation of population growth helps preserve the environment and achieve sustainable economic and social development.” On minimum marriageable age, Paragraph 36 says, “the ­Committee considers that the minimum age for marriage should be 18 years for both man and woman. When men and women marry, they assume important responsibilities. Consequently, marriage should not be permitted before they have attained full maturity and capacity to act. According to the World Health Organization, when minors, particularly girls, marry and have children, their health can be adversely affected and their education is impeded. As a result their economic autonomy is restricted.” 141