Background of the 2015 HR2FP Conference

Millions of women around the world, including in the U.S., die prematurely and suffer long-term health and social consequences because they experience unintended pregnancy. Many of these women do not have the freedom or opportunity to choose if and when to be pregnant. These challenges are greatest for the most impoverished and socially disadvantaged women in countries, rich and poor, all over the world. Inadequate access to scientifically accurate information, quality reproductive health services and reliable contraceptive supplies can adversely affect women’s health and well-being.

The HR2FP Conference in October, 2015 was the first to be sponsored by a U.S. university—University of Washington– in collaboration with civil society actors. It explored the relationship between the right to health and family planning and its application to improving universal access to information and services– globally and locally. The event brought together academicians, practitioners, and students in public/global health; specialties in medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine and law; NGOs, donor institutions, international organizations, pharmaceutical companies and others from the Global North and South.