Rights-Based Code of Ethics FIGO Professional and Ethical Responsibilities Concerning Sexual and

Sexual and reproductive health is a matter of urgent global concern. The tremendous burden of morbidity and mortality that women experience as a result of their role in reproduction, increased by their unequal social standing, is unacceptably high, yet substantially preventable. The reproductive and sexual health of women is often compromised, not necessarily because of lack of medical knowledge, but rather as a result of basic infringements of women’s human rights that also violate the basic and universally agreed upon ethical and professional responsibilities of professionals caring for women. Sexual and reproductive health is also an issue for human development, as women are essential to economic and social stability and progress in all societies. The potential contribution of women is frequently not realized because of limitations on women’s human rights, including lack of access to information and safe and appropriate care. The human right to security of the person underpins the medical ethic to treat women respectfully. Professionalism in health care of women is the means by which physician