Women's Access to Health Care: The Legal Framework

This article considers legal principles being adopted by states globally that help shape the scope of laws and regulations that improve access to women's reproductive and sexual health services. First, the authors stress the importance of evidence-based treatment and decision- making, unbiased by religious, political and moral beliefs. For example, emergency contraception has become increasingly available to women in countries that have embraced an evidence-based approach to creating and applying laws. Second, they identify a movement towards clearer and more transparent laws relating to reproductive and sexual health. This is necessary to provide certainty for medical professionals and women seeking care. Finally, the article discusses the importance of fair and reasonable access to health care. Governments are increasingly being held accountable to protect women against discrimination and denial of health and medical services.