New Study Explores Structural Racism’s Impact on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities

Introduction

In a new study, doctoral candidate Saharra Dixon and colleagues investigate the effects of structural racism on the sexual and reproductive health of youth of color. This research aims to shed light on the disparities and inequities that exist in this area.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The study aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Methodology

The researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review to gather existing evidence on the impact of structural racism on the sexual and reproductive health of youth of color. They analyzed various studies, reports, and data sources to identify patterns and trends.

Findings

The study revealed several key findings:

1. Structural racism contributes to disparities in access to sexual and reproductive health services among youth of color.
2. Youth of color experience higher rates of unintended pregnancies compared to their white counterparts.
3. Racial discrimination and bias in healthcare settings can negatively affect the quality of care received by youth of color.

Implications

These findings have important implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Addressing structural racism and promoting equity in sexual and reproductive health services should be prioritized to achieve the SDGs.

Conclusion

This study highlights the impact of structural racism on the sexual and reproductive health of youth of color. By addressing these inequities, we can work towards achieving the SDGs and ensuring that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
   • Indicator 3.7.1: Proportion of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.
   • Indicator 5.6.1: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

Analysis

The article discusses how structural racism impacts the sexual and reproductive health of youth of color. Based on the content, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This SDG is addressed as the article focuses on the impact of structural racism on the sexual and reproductive health of youth of color.

2. Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.

This target is relevant as the article highlights how structural racism can create barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health-care services for youth of color.

Indicator 3.7.1: Proportion of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the target, as it assesses the proportion of women who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods. The article suggests that structural racism may contribute to disparities in accessing family planning services for youth of color.

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality

This SDG is connected to the issues discussed in the article, as it emphasizes the importance of ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.

Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Program of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences.

This target is relevant as it highlights the need for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, which can be impacted by structural racism.

Indicator 5.6.1: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the target, as it assesses the proportion of women who are able to make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care. The article suggests that structural racism may limit the ability of youth of color to make such decisions.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

This SDG is connected to the issues discussed in the article, as it focuses on reducing inequalities, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

This target is relevant as it emphasizes the need to eliminate discriminatory laws, policies, and practices that contribute to inequalities. The article suggests that structural racism can create barriers and contribute to inequalities in accessing sexual and reproductive health care for youth of color.

Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the target, as it assesses the proportion of the population reporting personal experiences of discrimination or harassment based on prohibited grounds of discrimination. The article suggests that structural racism may contribute to discriminatory experiences for youth of color in accessing sexual and reproductive health care.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators