Overview
Sexual and reproductive health is as old as humankind, yet in our country, we still struggle to approach it as a normal part of health and well-being. The US is doing worse than most other developed nations when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. We are working to change that in Nebraska.
Sexual and reproductive health are essential parts of total health and well-being. Without addressing these issues, the health of our communities and the people who live in them will suffer.
According to the WHO, to be sexually healthy, people need:
- Information about sex and sexuality and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health to make informed decisions aligned with their values
- Access to quality sexual and reproductive healthcare
- Environments that affirm and promote sexual and reproductive health
The fragmented approach to addressing sexual health issues is ineffective. Efforts often happen in silos, with organizations working separately on STIs, contraception, HIV, healthy relationships, sexual assault, etc.
A siloed approach to sexual and reproductive health has broken down our ability to align effort, exacerbating negative outcomes. We now face the reality of multiple, overlapping epidemics related to sexual health in the US, with health inequities disproportionately affecting communities of color and sexual minorities.
2.5M
New cases of STIs
40%
of pregnancies are unintended
32,100
New HIV
Infections
1 in 5
women experience rape
Stigma makes everything more difficult. Stigma around sexuality permeates community, familial, healthcare, and even individual settings.
Work to improve sexual and reproductive health has been hindered by a siloed approach and pervasive stigma.
Stigma can:
- Make it difficult to share medically accurate information that people need to be personally responsible in their sexual lives
- Hinder people’s ability to seek out and receive care
This stigma may disproportionately affect young people, rural communities, and communities of color.
To address these challenges, the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska takes a holistic approach that works to promote sexual and reproductive health and well-being in our state. We strive to normalize conversations about sexual health and make sure that good information takes center stage, instead of stigma.