E/1999/27 E/CN.6/1999/10 legalization of abortion in her country and expanded services has considerably reduced maternal deaths resulting from induced abortions. Another representative said that the development of medical technology has led to the over-treatment of pregnancy and childbirth in her country, resulting in an increase in Caesarean sections and an enormous waste of resources. 6. Representatives noted a growing demand for reproductive health services and access to a wide range of contraceptive methods, including the need for informed choice. Adolescent health, in particular teenage pregnancies, remain a serious preoccupation. With regard to male fertility regulation, it was noted with interest that attitudes are changing, and that younger men and couples are now volunteering for clinical trials. The pharmaceutical industry, which did not show interest in research in the 1980s given the lack of willingness of men to control their own fertility and the complicated and often toxic drugs and procedures, has recently become involved in studies on male contraception. 7. The burden of infertility on couples, in particular on women, was of concern to some representatives. Mention was made of the lack of information on the causes of infertility and the effects of biomedical research, including cloning. The physical, psychological and social effects of medically assisted reproduction technology on the health of women and the risks involved should not be underestimated. 8. Representatives were alarmed about the dramatic increase in HIV/AIDS infection among women, in particular the high risk for adolescents 15 to 25 years of age, who now represent half the recent HIV victims. Many representatives acknowledged the link between violence against women and HIV/AIDS infection. Infection in young girls is often related to violence, including forced sex and rape. Migration, trafficking and sexual exploitation contribute to the spread of the disease among young women. The taboos surrounding the disease and the stigmatization of the victims cause further violence and isolation. Of particular concern is mother-to-child infection and the dilemma of breastfeeding for HIV- positive mothers. Representatives called for greater protection of women from infection, including through access to the female condom, and improved treatment of HIV/AIDS patients through affordable access to anti-retroviral therapy and drugs. Reference was also made to the possible link between female genital mutilation and susceptibility to HIV/AIDS infection, despite a lack of research on this issue. Several speakers reported about campaigns and legal action taken for the eradication of harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation. 9. Representatives recognized the negative impact of violence on women’s mental health, one of the major reasons for psychiatric disorders, anxiety and depression among women. Mental disorders in women seem to be caused more by social problems than by hormones and genes. It was suggested that mental health care be integrated into primary health-care services to make it more easily accessible. With regard to substance abuse, it was noted that women face discrimination in treatment and rehabilitation that are not gender sensitive. The increasing number of women smoking and their difficulties in abandoning the tobacco habit, as shown by research, is also of concern. 10. With regard to occupational and environmental health, a lack of attention to pollution and the risk factors of certain lifestyles was mentioned. Women’s reaction to hazards at work include stress, trauma and physical reactions. It was underlined that occupational health regulations need to address women’s health issues. Steps must be taken to safeguard the health of pregnant and breastfeeding working women. 11. It was noted that bridging the gap between policy and implementation and between awareness and attitudes is the real challenge at this stage. Representatives agreed that the creation of an enabling environment that includes a legislative framework and political commitment at the highest level is a prerequisite for effective social change and improvement 52