introduction Reproductive Rights Reproductive Rights embrace certain human rights that are already recognized in national laws, international laws and international human rights documents and other c ­ onsensus documents. These rights rest on the recognition of the basic rights of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It also includes the right to make decisions concerning r­ eproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence, as expressed in human rights documents.17 Respect for bodily integrity The human rights of women include their right to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality, including sexual and reproductive health, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. Equal relationships between men and women in matters of sexual relations and reproduction, including full respect for the bodily integrity of the person, require mutual respect, consent and shared r­ esponsibility for sexual behaviour and its consequences.18 Sexual Health Sexual Health deals with the enhancement of life and ­personal relations, not merely counselling and care related to r­ eproduction and sexually transmitted diseases.19 It refers to the integration of the somatic, emotional, intellectual and social aspects of sexual being in ways that are positively ­enriching and that enhance personality, communication and love.20 ­Sexual health is a component of reproductive rights, see above. 17 Ibid, para. 7.3. 18 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (5) 1995. 19 ICPD, UN Doc. A/CONF.171/13 1994, para 7.3. 20 WHO. ”Defi ning sexual health: Report of a technical consultation on sexual health. 28-31 January 2002, Geneva. 19