A/RES/S-23/3
and reproductive health, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. Equal
relationships between women and men in matters of sexual relations and
reproduction, including full respect for the integrity of the person, require mutual
respect, consent and shared responsibility for sexual behaviour and its
consequences;
(l) Design and implement programmes to encourage and enable men to
adopt safe and responsible sexual and reproductive behaviour, and to use effectively
methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections,
including HIV/AIDS;
(m) Take all appropriate measures to eliminate harmful, medically
unnecessary or coercive medical interventions as well as inappropriate medication
and overmedication of women and ensure that all women are properly informed of
their options, including likely benefits and potential side effects, by properly trained
personnel;
(n) Adopt measures to ensure non-discrimination against and respect for the
privacy of those living with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections,
including women and young people, so that they are not denied the information
needed to prevent further transmission of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted
diseases and are able to access treatment and care services without fear of
stigmatization, discrimination or violence;
(o) In the light of paragraph 8.25 of the Programme of Action of the
International Conference on Population and Development,4 which states:
“In no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning.
All Governments and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations are urged to strengthen their commitment to women’s health, to
deal with the health impact of unsafe abortion20 as a major public health
concern and to reduce the recourse to abortion through expanded and improved
family-planning services. Prevention of unwanted pregnancies must always be
given the highest priority and every attempt should be made to eliminate the
need for abortion. Women who have unwanted pregnancies should have ready
access to reliable information and compassionate counselling. Any measures or
changes related to abortion within the health system can only be determined at
the national or local level according to the national legislative process. In
circumstances where abortion is not against the law, such abortion should be
safe. In all cases, women should have access to quality services for the
management of complications arising from abortion. Post-abortion
counselling, education and family-planning services should be offered
promptly, which will also help to avoid repeat abortions.
“20
Unsafe abortion is defined as a procedure for terminating an unwanted
pregnancy either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment
lacking the minimal medical standards or both (based on World Health
Organization, The Prevention and Management of Unsafe Abortion, Report of a
Technical Working Group, Geneva, April 1992 (WHO/MSM/92.5))”,
consider reviewing laws containing punitive measures against women who have
undergone illegal abortions;
(p) Promote and improve comprehensive gender-specific tobacco prevention
and control strategies for all women, particularly adolescent girls and pregnant
26
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