Adolescents Under International Law: Autonomy as the Key to Reproductive Health

This article discusses the importance of international endorsement of adolescents' access to and exercise of reproductive health rights, given that adolescents make up almost one half of the worlds population. The author argues that governments should enable adolescents' informed decision-making and offer state protection to this vulnerable population in order to stop the needless suffering of future generations. The article begins by discussing adolescent reproductive rights and the reasons governments should take extra measures to protect these rights. Next, the author outlines some of the challenges faced in protecting adolescents' reproductive rights. The article concludes with recommendations for what governments, advocates, and health care professionals can do to address the challenges raised.