Effects of the productive role of Bangladeshi women on their reproductive decisions

The role of reproductive health care in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity has been widely reported; in most developing countries, however, women still have little control over their sexuality and reproductive decisions (Cook and Fathalla, 1996; Hadi, 1999). This adverse situation has direct impacts on fertility, maternal morbidity, the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and neonatal mortality (Heise, Moore and Toubia, 1995; Sadik, 1998; Berer, 2000). Although feminists have long been struggling to improve conditions for women, reproductive rights issues have only recently been getting recognition in demographic discourse. The long-term effects of violations of reproductive rights are not yet adequately understood, although it has been reported that abused women might have developed multiple medical complications such as chronic pelvic pain and somaticized symptoms. Although sex is a natural part of life, the ability of women to determine when they should copulate has a strong positive association with the prevention of unwanted pregnancy (Cook and Fathalla, 1996).