Written by Kira V.
Artwork by Sofa P. and Vic A.
Reproductive health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being” regarding one’s reproductive system and its processes. This pertains not only to being healthy from a medical perspective, but also from an emotional and a societal perspective as well. Sexual health, on the other hand, has the same definition but in terms of sexuality. WHO requires it to have a “positive and respectful approach” while having safe experiences free of “coercion, violence and discrimination”.
It is important to remove the stigma surrounding these topics in order for society to evolve past shaming someone’s choices or needs based on traditional and baseless judgements. Removing the stigma allows women and anyone who experiences sexual and reproductive needs alike to see the importance of openly talking about such topics and encouraging each other to discuss certain issues, such as stigmas surrounding abortion, contraceptives, and sex. Once this stigma is removed, or at the very least, once more people start understanding that there is no reason to be shameful of perfectly natural processes and bodily needs, the world becomes a healthier, and safer place for everyone involved.
The following are ways I believe help destigmatize sexual and reproductive health:
Not being embarrassed to talk about the fact that you’re on your period.
The menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs (for someone who is regular) every month. Despite this fact, many people still choose to avoid talking about menstruation, which usually starts at a young age. This severely impacts their life, as according to Dr Somi Javaid, most of her patients were “uncomfortable discussing their sexual health” because their parent or guardian never opened the conversation. According to TheLily, “Part of that discomfort is because when talking about menstruation that strikes uncomfortably close to another topic parents tend to want to avoid: sex”. Despite this, it is important to talk about periods, especially to young children, because it helps the youth form a mindset that having your period is not shameful or “dirty”. It is a reality for millions of people, whether you identify as a woman, trans or non-binary/genderfluid.
Do not shame others for talking openly about or experiencing certain things.
This includes, but are not limited to, buying contraceptives, having safe sex, going on birth control, using different menstrual products (diva cups, tampons), considering or having an abortion.
As long as someone’s choice is safe, well-researched and prepared for, and appropriate in their own context, there is no reason to judge them based on their actions. As an outsider, or even a friend, you probably do not fully understand what they are experiencing, and the best person who knows this is themselves (and their doctor). The best option you can choose to do is support them and their decision, or even stay quiet if all you are going to do is bring them down or judge them.
Educate yourself and the people around you.
Education never stops, and with the ever-changing modern world, it is impossible to always know everything regarding a single topic, especially something as diverse as sexual and reproductive health. Something that may have been true a week, month, year ago may not be true in the present, and it is your duty as a human being in a society to educate yourself. This can mean reading current news, researching on new developments or research, or even just having an open conversation with someone who may have different views from you.
It is also important to educate your peers and relatives, as these are not common conversation topics and everyone should be aware of the importance of having an open conversation about them.
It is okay if you are still working on improving your own mindset. It is hard to remove one’s own, internalized prejudices, especially if you are coming from a background or community that perpetuates the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health. There is no pressure in trying to be the most educated person regarding these topics, as long as you are trying to get better and work on your faults and judgements everyday.
Sources:
“Removing the Stigma from Women's Sexual Health.” Dr. Somi Javaid, 18 July 2016, drsomijavaid.com/in-the-media/removing-stigma-womens-sexual-health.
“Reproductive Health in the Western Pacific.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization,www.who.int/westernpacific/health-topics/reproductivehealth#:~:text=Reproductive health is a state,to its functions and processes.
“Sexual Health.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 12 Feb. 2016, www.who.int/topics/sexual_health/en/#:~:text=Sexual health is a state,of coercion, discrimination and violence.
Thelilynews. “Why We're Taught to Hide Our Periods.” TheLily.com, The Lily, 9 Jan. 2018, www.thelily.com/why-were-taught-to-hide-our-periods/.
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