Are Sexual and Reproductive Health Policies Designed for All? Vulnerable Groups in Policy Documents of Four European Countries and Their Involvement in Policy Development

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

2 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Department of International Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

3 School of Global Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract

Background
Health policies are important instruments for improving population health. However, experience suggests that policies designed for the whole population do not always benefit the most vulnerable. Participation of vulnerable groups in the policy-making process provides an opportunity for them to influence decisions related to their health, and also to exercise their rights. This paper presents the findings from a study that explored how vulnerable groups and principles of human rights are incorporated into national sexual and reproductive health (SRH) policies of 4 selected countries (Spain, Scotland, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine). It also aimed at discussing the involvement of vulnerable groups in SRH policy development from the perspective of policymakers.
 
Methods
Literature review, health policy analysis and 5 semi-structured interviews with policy-makers were carried out in this study. Content analysis of SRH policies was performed using the EquiFrame analytical framework.
 
Results
The study revealed that vulnerable groups and core principles of human rights are differently addressed in SRH policies within 4 studied countries. The opinions of policy-makers on the importance of mentioning vulnerable groups in policy documents and the way they ought to be mentioned varied, but they agreed that a clear definition of vulnerability, practical examples, and evidences on health status of these groups have to be included. In addition, different approaches to vulnerable group’s involvement in policy development were identified during the interviews and the range of obstacles to this process was discussed by respondents.
 
Conclusion
Incorporation of vulnerable groups in the SRH policies and their involvement in policy development were found to be important in addressing SRH of these groups and providing an opportunity for them to advocate for equal access to healthcare and exercise their rights. Future research on this topic should include representatives of vulnerable communities which could help to build a dialogue and present the problem from multiple perspectives.

Highlights

Commentaries Published on this Paper

  • Policies and Processes for Social Inclusion: Using EquiFrame and EquIPP for Policy Dialogue; Comment on “Are Sexual and Reproductive Health Policies Designed for All? Vulnerable Groups in Policy Documents of Four European Countries and Their Involvement in Policy Development”

          Abstract | PDF

  • In Search of the Third Eye, When the Two Others Are Shamefacedly Shut?; Comment on “Are Sexual and Reproductive Health Policies Designed for All? Vulnerable Groups in Policy Documents of Four European Countries and Their Involvement in Policy Development”

          Abstract | PDF

Keywords

Main Subjects

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 March 2015
  • Revise Date: 03 August 2015
  • Accept Date: 05 August 2015
  • First Publish Date: 01 October 2015

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