What is meant by the term "reproductive freedom"?

Reproductive freedom is a term that refers to the fundamental right of individuals to make their own decisions about their reproductive health and reproductive life without discrimination, coercion, or violence. This concept encompasses a range of rights and issues, including but not limited to:

1. The right to access comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care, including contraception, abortion services, fertility treatments, and maternal health care.
2. The right to make decisions about if and when to have children, and how many children to have.
3. The right to access accurate information about reproductive health options and to receive education on sexual and reproductive health.
4. The right to choose or refuse sterilization.
5. The right to be free from forced pregnancy, forced sterilization, and forced abortion.
6. The right to reproductive health services free from discrimination based on race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or marital status.
7. The right to privacy and confidentiality in making reproductive health decisions.

Reproductive freedom is often associated with the broader movement for reproductive rights, which seeks to ensure that all individuals have the legal rights, access, and resources necessary to exercise their reproductive freedom. This concept is rooted in principles of human rights, bodily autonomy, and gender equality. Advocates for reproductive freedom argue that control over one's own reproductive life is essential for the well-being and empowerment of individuals, particularly women and marginalized groups, and is a prerequisite for the full participation in society.