Background

A pressing concern often overlooked, especially in a country like India that accounts for 1.45 billion of the planet’s population is that of lacking access to reproductive health care. Recent studies reveal how only 10% of Indian women are able to make independent decisions regarding their health. Additionally, 30 million married ladies and 2 million adolescent girls still continue to be without access to modern contraception and safe family planning services.  

Several factors contribute to this issue including societal stigma, lack of awareness and limited infrastructure; especially within the peri-urban regions of the country. What’s more? Lack of access to adequate measures often trickle down to exacerbating additional issues for women in underserved communities. Although abortion has been legal in India for more than 50 years, only 2.5% of rural women opt for the same in need; increasing maternal morbidity rates and health concerns for both mother and child. 

WHERe (Women’s Health Education for Reproduction) was established in response to these exact needs that require urgent attention. By acknowledging the gaps in women’s reproductive health, this initiative aims to increase the provision of medical aid and educational resources to women in underprivileged areas of India.