50 years of declaration of family planning as a human right

At the International Conference on Human Rights in 1968, family planning became a human rights obligation of every country, government and policymakers.

Fifty years ago on the same day, the world declared family planning as basic human right.

Women for a long time have been facing the struggle associated with efforts to plan, delay or avoid pregnancy. At the International Conference on Human Rights in 1968, family planning became a human rights obligation of every country, government and policymakers.

UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and the World Health Organization have recognized nine standards that must be met in every community, for every individual.

These nine standards are:

1. Non-discrimination: According to this, any information regarding planning or services cannot be restricted on the basis of race, sex, religion, political affiliation, age, national origin, economic status, place of birth, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
2. Available: This again is a human rights necessity, similar to the availability of water and sanitation. Information and services regarding contraception should be available to one and all.
3. Accessible: Countries must ensure that family planning commodities and services are accessible to everyone. 
4. Acceptable: Contraceptive services and information has to be provided in a dignified manner without hurting the sentiments of any culture vis a vis respecting modern medical ethics.
5. Good quality: Accuracy is a major requirement in terms of information given regarding family planning.
6. Informed decision making: Every individual has a free right to make reproductive choices without any pressure from any sources.
7. Privacy and confidentiality: Everyone should have the right to privacy and confidentiality. Health workers should be trained in a way to respect the needs of the patient.
8. Participation: This is the duty of the countries to ensure an active participation. The perspectives of vulnerable and marginalized must be incorporated into the provision of services in their communities.
9. Accountability: Health workers, government, leaders and policymakers have to be accountable to the people they serve. Marginalized and young ones should also be made aware of their rights.