This year’s edition of the State of World Population report focuses on inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights. The report argues that as these issues are being increasingly politicized, it is imperative that we “reject division and embrace collaboration” to ensure progress to save lives.

Themed, ‘Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,’ the report acknowledges progress made in the past three decades, including that: the global rate of unintended pregnancies has dropped by almost 20% globally; the number of women using modern contraceptive methods has doubled; at least 162 countries have adopted laws against domestic violence; and maternal deaths have fallen by 34% since 2000.

However, the report underscores, this progress has not been fast and far-reaching enough due to persistent inequalities and disparities within our systems and societies, with the women most marginalized having experienced the least improvement. It points out that gender-based violence remains “rampant” almost everywhere, maternal mortality has seen zero reduction since 2016, and nearly half of women are still unable to exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The main messages articulated in the report are:

• Inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights are everywhere. The report cites disability and geography among the factors that lead to discrimination and limited access to healthcare services and comprehensive sexuality education.
• Progress on sexual and reproductive health for all is stalling or even unravelling. The report notes that in the past two decades, there has been no progress in the global annual reduction in maternal deaths while a quarter of all women today “report not being able to say no to sex with their husband or partner.”
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights are being politicized – and opinions polarized. The report notes that as half of the world’s population goes to the polls this year, many leaders have based their political strategies on sowing division, while others have made “their legal systems less equitable by decriminalizing female genital mutilation,” among other actions.
• Where inequalities exist, community leaders are helping to bridge gaps in services. As inequalities, discrimination, and misinformation are embedded in many health systems, many women resort to the services of traditional practitioners.
• Progress is achievable, but we must reject division and embrace collaboration. The report calls for political consensus to tailor solutions to communities and mobilize urgent funding for universal health and rights. It emphasizes that an additional USD 79 billion in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by 2030 would prevent 400 million unplanned pregnancies, save one million lives, and bring USD 660 billion in economic benefits. It further argues that training more midwives could reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by around 40% and prevent over a quarter of stillbirths.

In its annual State of World Population report, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) analyzes developments and trends in world population and demographics and sheds light on the unique challenges specific regions, countries, and population groups face. The 2024 report was launched on 16 April. [Publication: Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights] [Publication Landing Page] [UNFPA News Release] [UN News Story]