Infertility: An Unfinished Agenda in Reproductive Rights for Women in India

Abstract

The paper explores the persistent challenges and unmet needs in addressing infertility within the framework of reproductive rights. She emphasises how despite India achieving replacement-level fertility rates, significant disparities persist, particularly impacting marginalised populations and rural communities. The paper underscores the critical role of reproductive rights, as outlined in the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), in ensuring Women’s autonomy over their fertility choices. It argues for a comprehensive reproductive health approach that includes accessible infertility care alongside contraceptive services, advocating for public sector provisioning to mitigate the privatisation and financial barriers currently hindering access. The discussion is framed within the context of evolving global reproductive health policies and highlights the societal stigma attached to infertility, predominantly affecting women. The paper concludes by calling for policy reforms to integrate infertility care into national reproductive health agendas, aiming to provide equitable access and address the stigma associated with involuntary childlessness.