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My Body is My Own - Claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination

My Body is My Own - Claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination
My Body is My Own - Claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination

Publisher

Number of pages

164

Author

UNFPA

State of World Population Report

My Body is My Own - Claiming the right to autonomy and self-determination

Publication date

19 April 2021

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We have the inherent right to choose what we do with our body, to ensure its protection and care, to pursue its expression. The quality of our lives depends on it. In fact, our lives themselves depend on it. 

The right to the autonomy of our bodies means that we have the power and agency to make choices, without fear of violence or having someone else decide for us. It means being able to decide whether, when or with whom to have sex. It means making your own decisions about when or whether you want to become pregnant. It means the freedom to go to a doctor whenever you need one.