Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues in Pakistani context and its Islamic Perusal

Dr. Muhammad Samiullah*; Dr. Abdul Rahman Khalid Madni; Dr Tayyab Usmani; Hafiz Adil Jahangir; Qudsia Sami

Authors

Dr. Muhammad Samiullah* Associate Professor Islamic Thought and Civilization, University of Management and Technology Lahore
Dr. Abdul Rahman Khalid Madni Associate Professor Islamic Thought and Civilization, University of Management and Technology Lahore
Dr Tayyab Usmani Lecturer Govt. Murray College, Sialkot
Hafiz Adil Jahangir Lecturer of Islamic Perspective and Guidance University of Management & Technology, Lahore
Qudsia Sami Principle Tanazur Center, Lahore

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental human right; central to reducing poverty and improving long-term health. It is intrinsic to our right to life, freedom, health, choice, privacy, education and the prohibition of discrimination. Many women and young people in Pakistan face barriers that prevent them from exercising this right. Major gaps remain at both service delivery and policy level, preventing adequate access to basic health facilities. Denying these rights have grave consequences that exacerbate poverty and inequality. It can lead to greater vulnerabilities to gender-related ill health, unintended pregnancies, maternal death, harmful cultural practices and sexual and gender-based violence. Pakistan particularly struggles with high maternal mortality ratios, adolescent birth rates and unmet need for contraception. The country has the third highest burden of maternal, fetal and child mortality globally. According to the Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) 2012-2013, fertility is considerably higher in rural communities than in urban areas. On average, most rural women have 4.2 children. Contraceptive prevalence rate remains low at 26 per cent, meaning that a majority of people are not using birth control methods. This is despite the fact that 96 per cent of married Pakistani women are aware of at least one modern contraceptive method.

Keywords: Reproductive Health, Sexual health, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s), Health and Islam, Reproductive Health Issues in Pakistan