Reproductive and sexual health

Empowering women on the prevention of HIV and STIs

Microbicides are a range of different products that share one common characteristic: the ability to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when applied either in the vagina or the rectum. A microbicide could be produced in many forms, including gels, creams, suppositories, films, or as a sponge or ring that releases the active ingredient over time. But microbicides are not yet available. Scientists are currently testing many substances to see (...)

The effects of health care reforms on gender equity: widening the gender gap?

The Health Evidence Network (HEN), an initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional office for Europe, has recently published a report entitled "What evidence is there about the effects of health care reforms on gender equity, particularly in health?". This report suggests that the international trends towards a more efficient, effective and equitable health care sector, may affect men and women differently, given their different positions as users and producers of health (...)

Abortion: A right for all European women

The Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU), a member of IPPF, organised a public hearing on “ Abortion - Making it a right for all women in the EU ” in the European Parliament. The event was strongly supported by 17 MEPs representing 12 different member states. Five women, who committed illegal abortion or were denied the right to abortion, testified at the hearing. The meeting aimed to bring the legal abortion back on the European agenda where European Union (EU) (...)

Exhibition on Breast Cancer in the European Parliament

The European Breast Cancer Coalition (EUROPA DONNA), an EPHA member, co-organised an exhibition in the European Parliament on BREAST CANCER IN THE EU-25 from 17 to 21 October 2005. Following the European Parliament Resolution on breast cancer, the exhibition aimed to raise awareness on the impact of breast cancer in Europe. Markos Kyprianou, the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, launched it on 18 October, together with Karin Jöns (MEP DE-PES) who hosted the (...)

The Council of Europe takes a strong stance on gender rights

On the 4 October 2005, The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted two strong resolutions aimed to better protect women’s rights in Europe. Both reports express concerns about the serious and recurrent violations of human rights of women in regards to religion, forced marriages and child marriages in Europe. Women’s rights violation in the name of religion In its resolution on women and religion in Europe (1464/2005), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council (...)

Epha Report: Human egg trading - seminar in the European Parliament

On the 30 June 2005, a one-day seminar was organised in the European Parliament to discuss actions to take about « human egg trading and the exploitation of women ». It follows earlier action about the sale of human eggs for fertility treatment and bioethics in FP7. Eight MEPs sponsored the event: Hiltrud Breyer (Greens DE), Adamos Adamou (ALDE CY), Johannes Blokland (ID - NL), Maria Martens (EPP NL), Kathy Synnott (ID IRL) Eva-Britt Svensson (GUE SW), Patrizia Toia (ALDE IT), andAnna (...)

Green Doctors’ recent activities: male fertility and environmental health risk communication

Green Doctors, an environmental NGO of medical doctors and EPHA member, has highlighted the role of two key issues in their recent activities. Male fertility Professor Lew Gerbilsky from Green Doctors, in cooperation with Professor Jens Bonde, has developed a brochure in English and Ukranian, on ’Chemical Safety and Male Fertility’ (see attachment). The brochure explains the vulnerablility of sperm to chemical exposure and presents several risk factors that may affect male (...)

IPPF Conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The International Planned Parenthood Federation - European Network (IPPF-EN) is organising a one-day conference entitled ‘Europe’s Global Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights’, on 17 June 2005 in Luxembourg. It aims at providing information on the latest developments regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), particularly in the overall context of the Millenim Goals Developments. It is also designed to help develop further advocacy (...)

Seminar on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

IPPF European Network is holding a seminar on ’Europe’s Global Leadership on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)’ 17 June in Luxembourg. The seminar will discuss the role of the EU in promoting SRHR in Europe and around the world. Topics include an exploration of the Netherlands and Luxembourg Presidencies’ achievements in SRHR and development, the UK Presidency’s priorities, the outcomes of the ten-year review and appraisal of the Beijing (...)