Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Global Development

The ICPD Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals both underscore the essential role of sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights in development. Despite significant progress on many aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), challenges remain, and they are exacerbated by rising anti-rights movements in many countries. At a time when SRHR is under threat, it is important to surface evidence that speaks to its critical role in development and its inextricable connections to multiple global goals. In this commentary, we argue that investing in SRHR is strategic because it yields substantial benefits to individuals, economies, societies, the environment, and peace and security, and thus contributes to progress on related goals. We encourage SRHR advocates to leverage the broad array of arguments to bolster decision-makers' and other stakeholders' support of SRHR, alongside the well-established arguments grounded in cost-effectiveness, and returns on health and human rights. With the world falling short of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and conservative forces threatening to undo the progress that has been made, urgent and collective action on multiple fronts is needed. By recognizing that many development priorities are interconnected, we can accelerate progress through cross-movement advocacy and mobilization.