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Women’s health is not limited to pregnancy and childbirth; it encompasses their physical, mental, and social well-being throughout all stages of life. Maternal mortality, breast cancer, depression and anxiety, poverty, discrimination, violence, child marriage, and early pregnancy are among the most significant challenges that threaten women’s health in Iran, alongside inadequate infrastructure and insufficient support systems and budgets.<\/p>\n
Women’s health is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right. Its realization requires equal access to healthcare services, social support, and a life free from violence and discrimination. Nevertheless, many women and girls in Iran continue to face serious obstacles in accessing these rights.<\/p>\n
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Child Marriage as a Threat to Women’s Physical and Mental Health in Iran<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n According to official statistics, more than 177,000 marriages involving girls under the age of 18 were registered between 2014 and 2021. Poverty, gender inequality, family pressures, and lack of access to education are among the primary causes of this phenomenon. Since 2021, the publication of detailed child marriage statistics has partially ceased, making it difficult to accurately assess its current dimensions.<\/p>\n Early pregnancy, increased maternal mortality, school dropout, depression, domestic violence, social isolation, economic dependency, and reduced employment opportunities are among the most significant consequences of child marriage for women’s health and lives.<\/p>\n Despite the importance of women’s health in social development, significant gaps remain in access to healthcare services, screening programs for women’s diseases, mental health support, and sanitary facilities in most cities, particularly in underserved regions. The consequences of these inequalities can be seen in the continued maternal mortality rates, delayed diagnosis of diseases, and increased vulnerability of women to physical and psychological health problems.<\/p>\n Maternal Mortality<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Cesarean delivery has become one of the major challenges to women’s health in Iran. According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 60 percent of births in the country are performed by cesarean section, a rate that exceeds internationally recommended levels for medically necessary cases.<\/p>\n Experts warn that the rise in unnecessary cesarean deliveries may increase the risk of physical complications for mothers, prolong recovery periods, raise medical expenses, and create complications in future pregnancies.<\/p>\n The Impact of Women’s Education<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Education and awareness are among the most effective ways to prevent diseases and improve women’s health. Knowledge about illnesses such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, depression, genital warts, and pregnancy-related complications can play an important role in early diagnosis and reducing their effects. However, weaknesses in educational programs, limited public awareness campaigns, and the absence of effective policies regarding women’s health education have left many women without access to the information and training necessary to protect their health. Even in disadvantaged areas, access to basic sanitary products such as sanitary pads or condoms is often unavailable.<\/p>\n Women’s Health Budget in Iran<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The budget allocated to women’s health in Iran is not published separately on a gender-specific basis. Health services are financed through sources such as government budgets, public taxation, health insurance systems, and direct out-of-pocket payments by citizens. However, inefficiencies in the insurance system and shortages of sustainable funding have increased the financial burden on patients.<\/p>\n Although the government implemented a national health insurance coverage plan in 2010 with the aim of reducing treatment costs, the program faced serious challenges due to budget deficits and a lack of sustainable resources. According to the Ministry of Health, annual healthcare expenditure per Iranian is approximately USD 415. Nevertheless, women in deprived areas continue to face limitations in access to reproductive health services, medical treatment, and specialized care.<\/p>\n Article 1:<\/strong> All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Goal 3:<\/strong> Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Article 10:<\/strong> The right to education and equal access to information. \n Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran<\/strong><\/p>\n Defense of Defense of the Rights of Child and Adolescent Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Women’s Health in Iran: Beyond Medical Treatment, a Human Rights Issue Women’s health is not limited to pregnancy and childbirth; it encompasses their physical, mental, and social well-being throughout all stages of life. Maternal mortality, breast cancer, depression and anxiety, poverty, discrimination, violence, child marriage, and early pregnancy are among the most significant challenges that … <\/p>\n\n
Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Article 2:<\/strong> Freedom from discrimination.
Article 25:<\/strong> The right to adequate food, housing, medical care, and necessary social services for all.<\/p>\nUNESCO 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Goal 4:<\/strong> Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.<\/p>\nConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Article 12:<\/strong> The right to equal access to healthcare services.
Article 14:<\/strong> Protection of rural women and access to social and health services.
Article 16:<\/strong> Equality in marriage and family relations and the prohibition of discrimination.<\/p>\n