Semin Reprod Med 2022; 40(01/02): 131-145
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742347
Review Article

Dismantling Inequities in Adolescent and Young Adult Health through a Sexual and Reproductive Health Justice Approach

Romina Barral
1   Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
2   University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO AND University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
,
Michele A. Kelley
3   Emerita of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
,
Megan E. Harrison
4   Division of Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
,
Maria Veronica Svetaz
5   Hennepin Healthcare, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Leadership Education for Adolescent Health Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Yvette Efevbera
6   Gender-Based Violence and Child Marriage, Gender Equality, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
,
Swati Bhave
7   Adolescent Medicine, Dr D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, India
,
Nuray Kanbur
4   Division of Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the social determinants of adolescents and young adults' (AYAs') sexual and reproductive health (SRH), from a global health perspective. The status of AYAs' SRH constitutes leading health indicators across nations and globally, and reveals the well-being of this population. Throughout the article, AYAs' SRH is approached from a health equity perspective, which includes SRH health rights and reproductive justice. Using this health equity lens, salient topics are presented: sexual abuse/assault among AYAs; immigrant and refugee populations; child, early, and forced marriage; human trafficking; and female genital mutilation. The article also discusses access to SRH services and comprehensive education. Practical implications and resources are offered for healthcare providers for their daily encounters with AYAs, as well as for community, institutional level, and advocacy action. Healthcare providers are well positioned to advance AYAs SRH through mitigating inequities and in so doing, they are assuring the health of the population and future generations.



Publication History

Article published online:
20 January 2022

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