Abstract

Differentials in the exercise of rights to sexual and reproductive health based income and residence are among the most pronounced of any regularly measured health-related development indicators. Poor and rural populations are least likely to give birth under safe conditions, to translate their preferences to delay or avoid pregnancies into safe and effective action, more likely to give birth at very early and late ages when risks are higher, and more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted or transactional sex. Failure to redress the conditions that contribute to these disparities amounts to a violation of rights obligations and international consensus commitments.