Sexual and reproductive health is fundamental to individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and nations. As provided in the Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO), the organization’s objective is “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health”, and to fulfil that objective, WHO’s functions include providing technical assistance to countries in the field of health.

This reference manual is intended to help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services.