Sexual and reproductive health of young people in India: A review of policies, laws and programmes

This paper synthesises the key policies, laws and programmes in India that focus on or have implications for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people. It includes a summary of what is known about the sexual and reproductive health situation of young people, an assessment of the salient features of current policies, laws and programmes, and a discussion of the extent to which these policies, laws and programmes have responded to the sexual and reproductive health needs of young women and men. The Population Council is an international, non-profit, non-governmental organisation that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science and public health research, and helps build research capacities in developing countries. iii Contents Acknowledgements v Introduction 1 Methodology 2 The sexual and reproductive health situation of young people 2 Policy initiatives to address young people's sexual and reproductive health needs and rights 7 Key policies addressing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people 7 Key policies promoting empowerment, and gender equity and equality among young people 9 Key policies addressing the nutritional needs of young people 10 Key policies addressing young people's education and skill-building needs 10 Key policies addressing the need for building a supportive environment for young people 12 Gaps 12 Laws to address young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights 14 Programme initiatives to address young people's sexual and reproductive health needs and rights 18 Programmes to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues 18 Programmes that facilitate access to sexual and reproductive health counselling and services 22 Programmes that address gender disparities and adolescent rights 27 Programmes that enhance nutrition among adolescent girls 31 Programmes that enable young people to attain a basic minimum level of education and attain marketable skills 32 Programmes that build a supportive environment 33 Looking forward 35 References 38 Authors 52 iv Sexual and reproductive health of young people in India: A review of policies, laws and programmes List of table & appendix Table 1: Sexual and reproductive health profile of young people, India 3 Appendix 1: Summary of policies and programmes addressing young people's sexual and reproductive health needs and rights 44 v This review has benefitted hugely from the input of many. …