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What do you think is the significance of reproductive health in a society?

Reproductive health is a crucial part of general health and a central feature of human development.  It is a reflection of health during childhood, and crucial during adolescence and adulthood, sets the stage for health beyond the reproductive years for both women and men, and affects the health of the next generation.  The health of the newborn is largely a function of the mother's health and nutrition status and of her access to health care.

Reproductive health is a universal concern, but is of special importance for women particularly during the reproductive years.Although most reproductive health problems arise during the reproductive years, in old age general health continues to reflect earlier reproductive life events.  Men too have reproductive health concerns and needs though their general health is affected by reproductive health to a lesser extent than is the case for women.However, men have particular roles and responsibilities in terms of women's reproductive health because of their decision-making powers in reproductive health matters.

Because reproductive health is such an important component of general health it is a prerequisite for social, economic and human development.  The highest attainable level of health is not only a fundamental human right for all, it is also a social and economic imperative because human energy and creativity are the driving forces of development.  Such energy and creativity cannot begenerated by sick, tired people, and consequently a healthy and active population becomes a prerequisite of social and economic development.