Reproductive Rights as Human Rights : An Analysis

Women are the best creation of God who are blessed with ability to give birth and perpetuate the human race on this planet and this ability makes a woman different from a man. This in itself is an irony that women are not given right over their bodies. Development of a country depends upon the status of women or how women are treated in that country. All over the world women face barriers and challenges to find an equal place in the existing social order which is mostly patriarchal. There is an on going struggle for women to fight for their rights although it is well accepted fact that women’s contribution is unquantifiable and that she plays an important role not only on the domestic front but also on the economic, social and political front. There is a sharp increase in number of crimes against women all over world and India is not an exception. In such a scenario, one needs to rethink about various issues related to human rights especially the Reproductive Rights which is the prime area of concern for women. Women’s sexuality and various rights and choices related to it have always been a topic of discussion. The concept of virginity is also kept on a high pedestal. The raising voices against the exploitation of women are oftenly labeled as ‘feminists’ and ‘male haters’. All of the important decisions about life of women are decided by the society and the culture: How much education is she allowed? When should she marry? How many children she should bear? Should she work? Can she bear only one child? Should she ask for her rights? Can she raise her voice against abuse and exploitation?.