What does universal access to reproductive health mean for young people? In September 2006, the United Nations General Assembly resolved to adopt Target 5.B of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): “Achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health” (RH). Nearly half of the world's population is currently under the age of 25 and across the globe, young people face unique challenges that increase their risk of sexual and reproductive health morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is absolutely critical to address the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young people in order to achieve universal access to RH. This factsheet addresses access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as a human right for all people, including young people, and will discuss the indicators for MDG Target 5.B. The factsheet also deals with what is required to achieve universal access to reproductive health for young people, and its other central aspects, such as: access to youth friendly SRH services; comprehensive sexuality education; access to safe abortion care; integration of HIV, STI and RH services; harmful practices and gender-based violence; and meaningful youth participation. Download the factsheet in English, Spanish and Portuguese: |