• Dr. Soma Das

The Constitution of India advocates equal right to live with dignity and liberty to every man and woman citizen of the country. Reproductive rights come under fundamental human rights for women. Reproductive rights of women encompass several rights and issues namely, their ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, family planning, and overall well-being and autonomy. Following the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1979, several important legislations have been enacted. However, effective implementation of CEDAW still remains a myth as far as the Indian social system is concerned. Human rights of women, more specifically their reproductive rights are hardly addressed in India. For instance, studies revealed, the enactment of Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 (MTPA) was made by fears about population explosion rather than the concern about reproductive health of women. Consequently, the reproductive health status of women in India is marked by significant challenges, like high rate of maternal mortality, widespread anaemia among women of reproductive ages, limited access to modern contraception, and many unintended pregnancies. The present theoretical study is based on a critical analysis of the status of the reproductive rights of women in urban and rural parts of India. The study summarizes, limited scope of education, inadequate awareness, profound gender discrimination, orthodox religious belief, dominance of patriarchal system and poor access to reproductive healthcare services are posing challenges to fulfil reproductive rights of women and thereby to achieve gender equality, individual autonomy, and well-being. The present study suggests an achievable road map to move towards the goal of women’s empowerment and human rights.

Reproductive health, maternal mortality, human right, women empowerment, gender equality.

"Reproductive Health Rights of Women in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.c495-c500, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/556835.pdf

"Reproductive Health Rights of Women in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. ppc495-c500, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/556835.pdf