Reproductive health in Europe. In every country -- for every age group.

: This editorial (September 1996 issue of "Entre Nous") presents the view that reproductive health is appropriate for all stages of the life cycle. Europe comprises about 50 different countries and 850 million people. Reproductive health concerns vary between regions and countries. The World Health Organization definition indicates that reproductive health refers to a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying, and safe sex life. This means access to effective, affordable, and acceptable methods of fertility regulation, health services for safe pregnancies and deliveries, treatment of reproductive diseases and cancers, and care during and after menopause. This issue of the magazine includes a variety of perspectives on reproductive health. There is an article on the rise of sexually transmitted diseases in the Newly Independent States of the former USSR. Other articles address the health needs of older women in European developed countries, changes in contraceptive needs as women age, and the suffering of women due to reproductive health problems. The world focus on maternal and child health draws attention away from a holistic or comprehensive perspective. Although many women in developing countries suffer from reproductive tract infections, little attention is given to these common problems that have serious social and health implications. Dr. Nafis Sadik affirms the importance of women's empowerment and couples' and individuals' rights to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of children and to have the access and means to act. The principle of reproductive health is important for all women, all people, and all nations.