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Over the past two decades, Southeast Asia has seen significant improvements in women’s sexual and reproductive health, including notable reductions in maternal and newborn mortality rates. However, challenges persist, particularly in underserved and underrepresented areas, where access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services remains limited. Ensuring advancements in women’s SRH is crucial for promoting women's agency and expanding their access to education and economic opportunities. Access to SRH services is not only a fundamental human right, but also essential for achieving sustainable economic growth and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Southeast Asia.
The US-ASEAN Business Council is pleased to publish a Paper on Advancing Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health in Southeast Asia: Overview of Policies, Challenges and Opportunities. The paper explores women's access to a range of essential SRH services, including contraception, maternal and childcare, abortion care, and testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It also highlights effective policies and successful programs across Southeast Asia, emphasizing the region's ongoing efforts to address SRH challenges and create opportunities for women's health advancement.