Context:

Recently, the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) flagship State of World Population Report 2021 titled ‘My Body is My Own’ was launched.

• This is the first time a United Nations report has focused on bodily autonomy, defined as the power and agency to make choices about your body without fear of violence or having someone else decide for you.

About the Violation of Bodily Autonomy,

• The principle of bodily integrity sums up the right of each human being, including children, to autonomy and self-determination over their own body. It considers an unconsented physical intrusion as a human right violation.
• While the principle has traditionally been raised in connection with practices such as torture, inhumane treatment, and forced disappearance, bodily integrity has the potential to apply to a wide range of human rights violations, which also affect children’s civil rights.
• Under its ambit also fall people with disabilities stripped of their rights to self-determination, to be free from violence, and to enjoy a safe and satisfying sexual life.

It includes: Child marriage, Female genital mutilation, Lack of contraceptive choices leading to unplanned pregnancy, unwanted sex exchanged for a home and food, people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities cannot walk down a street without fearing assault or humiliation.

Global Status

• Nearly half the women from 57 developing countries do not have the right to make decisions regarding their bodies, including using contraception, seeking healthcare, or even on their sexuality.
• Only 75% of countries legally ensure full and equal access to contraception.

Covid Impact

Women around the world are denied the fundamental right of bodily autonomy with the Covid-19 pandemic the further exacerbating this situation.

Indian Scenario

• In India, according to National Family Health Survey to (NFHS)-4 (2015-2016)
• 12% of currently married women (15-49 years of age) independently make decisions about their own healthcare.
• 8% of currently married women (15-49 years) take decisions on the use of contraception independently.
• Overall Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) has increased substantially in most States/UTs and it is the highest in HP and WB (74%).

United Nations Population Fund

• It is a subsidiary organ of UN General Assembly and works as a sexual and reproductive health agency
• The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) establishes its mandate.
• It was established as a trust fund in 1967 and began operations in 1969.
• In 1987, it was officially renamed the United Nations Population Fund but the original abbreviation, ‘UNFPA’ for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities was retained.
• UNFPA works directly to tackle Sustainable Development Goals on health (SDG3), education (SDG4), and gender equality (SDG5).
• UNFPA is not supported by the UN budget, instead, it is entirely supported by voluntary contributions of donor governments, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, foundations and individuals.