Revitalizing the ICPD Programme of Action on the International Development Agenda: Toward a Path Forward for Reproductive Health and Rights in Troubled Times

Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), there have been notable improvements in reproductive health and rights. However, these overall gains obscure deep inequalities, and recent setbacks during and after the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the fragility of this progress. The reproductive health agenda is extensive yet remains underfunded and underperforming. Careful thought is needed on how to retain reproductive health and rights as a priority in the global development framework that will replace the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030. This paper examines the evolution of reproductive health, drawing lessons and recommendations for revitalizing and future-proofing its agenda and enhancing progress. Key recommendations include encouraging bolder thinking in research engaging with the field's multiple challenges, including nontechnical aspects; improving dissemination and utilization of policy-relevant research; presenting a stronger business case to influence policymakers; and employing broader, inclusive rights-based arguments that emphasize social justice and equity. Additionally, reevaluating the global reproductive health architecture is necessary, particularly the influential yet inconsistent role of the USA. Relevant lessons from maternal and child health and HIV efforts are distilled to further assist in this process of developing a more effective path forward, ensuring the ICPD's vision is achieved beyond 2030.