The breadth of sexual and reproductive health spans from educating people about their own sexuality, allowing women the means and education to manage their own fertility, and when they become pregnant, giving them access to safe services, such as good pre-natal care or legal abortion. Rajasthan is characterized by poverty, low literacy, gender inequality, weak infrastructure, and poor maternal and infant health outcomes. As a result, many women face significant challenges addressing their health needs, particularly those related to reproductive health and family planning based on informed choice. 51.2% (AHS 12-13) of currently married women age 20-24 are married before the age of 18 in Rajasthan and only 62.4% (AHS 12-13) of couples in the state currently use modern contraception. In addition, the Maternal Mortality Ratio within the state is higher than the country average at 208 (per 100,00 live births) (AHS 12-13) and 8% (AHS 12-13)of all maternal death stems from unsafe abortion (SRS 2007-09, SRS 2003).

ARTH is working hard to make certain that women have access to services that will ensure their continued sexual and reproductive health. This includes village level pregnancy advisory services through village volunteers, the availability of safe and legal 1st trimester abortions at ARTH’s clinics, and a continuum of care for pregnant women that follow them through their pregnancy until a year after their child is born. ARTH seeks to improve the health of women, as well as to empower them with increased knowledge and care regarding their own reproductive capabilities.

Refer the links below for ARTH’s strategic interventions affiliated with sexual and reproductive health:

• Reproductive and Child Health Centres 
• Copper-T 380A as an Alternative to Female Sterilization
• First-Trimester Abortion Services
• “Gaon Pas”: Village Pregnancy Advisory Services
• Self-Help Groups for Improving RCH
• School of Midwifery Practice & Training in Primary Health Care
• Technical Assistance on RCH Initiatives to 8 NGOs of Southern Rajasthan
• Survey of Abortion Services in Rajasthan
• Maternal Morbidity, it’s Burden, Consequences, and Options in a Rural Area in Rajasthan
• Continuum of Maternal-Neonatal-Infant Care
• Supporting NGOs for Providing Maternal-Newborn Related Health Services
• Advocacy