Reproductive Health in Arab Countries

Abstract

Reproductive health in the Arab region is of great local interest. Traditions and local cultures with the differences in healthcare policies help to shape services available in the region. This chapter reviews healthcare services in different Arab countries, with a focus on the general situation in the Arab region and a comparison between various Arab countries. The topics covered include the types of services and accessibility, family planning, female genital mutilation, maternal healthcare services, fertility services, cesarean section, abortion, adolescence health, marriage pattern, reproductive healthcare for refugees, financing sexual and reproductive health (SRH), reproductive cancers, and genetic and congenital anomalies. In general, the lack of awareness and poor resource availability negatively affect women in the region, particularly related to their reproductive health and rights.