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June 3, 2002
Heated discussion about sexual and reproductive health and rights dominated the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children in May, as conservative delegations led by the United States attempted to roll back past advances, jeopardizing international efforts to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, maternal mortality and unsafe abortion.

In anticipation of US-led opposition, Ipas worked with other progressive NGOs as part of the International Sexual and Reproductive Rights Coalition (ISRRC) to protect previous international agreements on young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights. The coalition provided delegations with educational fact sheets and expert assistance in creating 'child rights' language for the conference document. Although the conference did not produce forward-thinking language on rights and health issues, progressive nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were able to hold the line on existing commitments. The document approved by member nations reaffirms previous international agreements that support adolescents' reproductive and sexual health and rights, including those from the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children in May, as conservative delegations led by the United States attempted to roll back past advances, jeopardizing international efforts to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, maternal mortality and unsafe abortion.

In anticipation of US-led opposition, Ipas worked with other progressive NGOs as part of the International Sexual and Reproductive Rights Coalition (ISRRC) to protect previous international agreements on young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights. The coalition provided delegations with educational fact sheets and expert assistance in creating 'child rights' language for the conference document. Although the conference did not produce forward-thinking language on rights and health issues, progressive nations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were able to hold the line on existing commitments. The document approved by member nations reaffirms previous international agreements that support adolescents' reproductive and sexual health and rights, including those from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, and their five-year reviews. In the current political climate, the prevention of setbacks on human rights issues must be regarded as a small victory. During the conference, the US delegation worked with the Holy See (the Vatican's representative at the United Nations) and several Islamic nations to insert language limiting comprehensive reproductive health services and sexuality education. The reactionary position of the US delegation on reproductive health services, including safe abortion care, sent a confusing message to other delegations and NGOs, as it is in opposition to US law, as well as public opinion and medical practice. It also is directly contrary to Paragraph 63iii from the outcome document of the ICPD five-year review, which states that in order to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity from unsafe abortion, "in circumstances where abortion is not against the law, health systems should train and equip heath-service providers and take other measures to ensure that abortion is safe and accessible."

ISRRC members include:


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