Sexual and reproductive health

In addition to the ban on the two-finger test, Indian courts must address other issues of gender stereotyping in rape trials.

Abortion may be legal in India, but the stigma around it and medical practitioners’ personal biases ensure that women remain hesitant to exercise their reproductive choices.

Robust action against marital rape is necessary for India to end violence against women in all forms and fulfil its commitment to gender equality.

An analysis of nine states shows that maternity benefits under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) alone are not enough to increase institutional deliveries. Poverty, lack of education, and other socio-demographic factors also play an important role.

While the issues of discrimination in health access are systemic and require interventions by governments to solve them, there is much that civil society can do.

Rather than ensuring reproductive rights for its citizens, Uttar Pradesh’s new population policy violates them.

The stigma and shame associated with young people’s sexuality continue to impede their access to quality health services.