From choice, a world of possibilities

News from the Region

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

Republicans' war on abortion rights continues: But we can't give up the fight for women's rights | NY Daily News

Our World at 7 Billion: Sexual Rights

Sexuality is a natural and precious aspect of life, a fundamental part of our humanity. For people to attain the highest standard of health, they must be feel confident and safe expressing their own sexual identity – and maintain sexual and reproductive autonomy. Discrimination, stigma, fear, and violence pose real threats to many people.

Our World at 7 Billion: Gender-based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread, yet least recognized, human rights violations. No matter where she or he is born, the 7 billionth person will live in an environment where violence against women is common—in fact, the World Health Organization estimates that at least 1 in 3 women will experience violence or coercion in her lifetime.

From Mississippi to Mexico: Challenging 'Life Begins at Conception'

A proposed amendment in the state of Mississippi that would define the beginning of life as conception has captured news headlines from Nebraska to Memphis.

Our World at 7 Billion: HIV

Fourteen years ago, Edilia Natera learned she was HIV-positive when her doctor ran blood tests during her pregnancy. What would be devastating news to any expecting mother was tantamount to a death sentence to Edilia.

Fourteen years ago, Edilia Natera learned she was HIV-positive when her doctor ran blood tests during her pregnancy. What would be devastating news to any expecting mother was tantamount to a death sentence to Edilia.

Our World at 7 Billion: Youth

As the planet braces for the arrival of the 7th billionth person on October 31, the media has been abuzz: what are the things we can do as a planet to speed economic development? What about climate change? Can the earth support that many people?

UN Special Rapporteur Milestone for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

A report presented to the United Nations General Assembly this morning by Anand Grover, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, which exposes the adverse effects criminalization and legal restrictions have on various health issues, is an important milestone for those working to promote sexual and reproductive health and human rights worldwide.

Dominican Scientist Receives Award

At their annual meeting in New York City on October 5, 2011, the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception (ICEC) and the the American Society for Emergency Contraception (ASEC) honored Dominican scientist Dr. Vivian Brache with the Charlotte Ellertson Award for Innovation. The prize was awarded for her groundbreaking research on emergency contraception in the Caribbean.

News from the Region

Below are news stories, blog posts, and other resources released this week regarding sexual and reproductive health Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean:

What Have We Really Learned About HIV & Hormonal Contraception This Week? | Population Council

Providing Community Health Services to El Salvador's Most Vulnerable Groups

El Salvador is the most densely populated country in the Americas, and with the collapse of international coffee prices, the economic situation has worsened in some rural areas. The IPPF/WHR Member Association in El Salvador, Asociación Demográfica Salvadoreña (ADS), is the largest sexual and reproductive health non-governmental organization in the country. This video highlights their work with youth, rural populations, and those underserved by the public sector.