Reproductive Rights of Adolescents: The Role of Social Science Research

Sexual and reproductive behaviour and ill-health have social and cultural origins as well as biomedical ones. A central aim of social science research is to identify and investigate these origins. As a consequence, social science research is able to provide evidence of people's needs and perspectives on various aspects of sexual and reproductive health, as well as on the extent to which informed choices are made. It sheds light on the barriers that people face in making these choices and it enables sensitive but critical areas to be explored. 

Social science research findings are essential to the human rights framework because they provide the necessary scientific evidence to assess the choices that people make in practice. In the area of sexual and reproductive health, social science research:

• establishes the levels and patterns of behaviours, attitudes and perceptions;

• explores the social and cultural factors underlying sexual and reproductive ill-health;

• explains impediments to informed choice or to availing oneself of preventive or curative services;

• monitors the extent to which interventions have been successful in changing behaviours, attitudes and perceptions.

Many governments have committed themselves to implementing the recommendations of international agreements and treaties that have bearing on the sexual and reproductive rights of adolescents. These governments have obligated themselves to:

• respect the rights of adolescents, which may include providing them with education on sexual and reproductive health, and counselling and services on contraception and sexually transmitted diseases;

• protect their rights, by steps that prevent violations such as sexual coercion or female genital mutilation;

• fulfil their rights, through legal, administrative and budgetary measures that enable them to realize these rights. 

By establishing statistically significant evidence of the levels and patterns of sexual activity and the adverse consequences of limited choice, social science research findings can make, and have made, governments reassess their commitment to reproductive rights. Research findings have, for instance, exploded myths regarding adolescent abstinence from sexual activity. Countries can no longer maintain that adolescent sexual activity is rare, or that it is largely planned, or consensual, or safe from the risks of disease, complications, unwanted pregnancy or violence. Research findings have also documented constraints on informed and responsible reproductive choices among adolescents. 

Governments may argue that they have fulfilled their duties to protect the reproductive rights of adolescents by removing or imposing legal restrictions, or by providing educational programmes and health services that do not exclude adolescents. They may argue that lack of choice reflects family attitudes over which they have little influence. However, social science research can challenge these assumptions with data on the potential influence of governments. Findings that highlight the attitudes and perspectives of adolescents, their parents and service providers can help in the understanding of constraints in the application of rights. Many obstacles can be identified that underlie adolescents' limited choices, ranging from sociocultural and gender-related constraints to more institutional factors. Findings also point to gaps in existing programmes, or in their delivery, and directions for change that would enhance adolescents' ability to make informed choices. 

Research findings provide the necessary reality check between the ideals accepted at international forums and the actual practice within countries. In this way, social science research can enable a government's record in expanding choices to be monitored. In addition, research that probes into factors underlying lack of informed and responsible choice, and the consequences of this lack of choice, can give direction to governments intent on expanding choice. Practical measures need to be found to translate research findings into policies, actions and even laws. 

Sources

1. Considerations for formulating reproductive health laws. A discussion paper. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1998 (Document WHO/FRH/WOM/98.1).

2. Cook RJ. Women's health and human rights. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1994.

3. Interpreting reproductive health. ICPD+5 Forum, The Hague, Netherlands, 8–12 February 1999. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1999 (Document WHO/CHS/RHR/99.7).

4. Jejeebhoy SJ. The importance of social science research in the protection of sexual and reproductive choice of adolescents. Medicine and law, 1999 (forthcoming).

5. Statement by Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General. ICPD+5 Forum, The Hague, Netherlands, 8–12 February 1999. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1999 (Document WHO/CHS/RHR/99.8).

6. World Health Day 1998 information kit. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1998.

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