Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: A Perspective on Gender Bias and Stereotyping in Health

This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), emphasising their crucial role in health, well-being, and human rights. The conceptualisation of SRHR has evolved over time, remaining a topic of ongoing debate. Within health systems and research, gender systems and hierarchies have become deeply embedded, significantly affecting access to and quality of (sexual and reproductive) healthcare services, with stigma associated with gender as well as health negatively influencing health outcomes. Consequently, gender, stigma, and health are intrinsically interconnected. This chapter argues for the urgent need to recognise compounded forms of othering and discrimination as human rights violations, necessitating immediate attention in medical and health research and practice. Additionally, it includes a case study on the right to safe abortion services to encourage readers to reflect on their own positions regarding abortion. Understanding the key advancements and obstacles in achieving the highest attainable standard of sexual and reproductive health is essential for comprehending how individuals, particularly girls, women and gender diverse individuals, face othering, stigma and discrimination, ultimately being denied their human rights.