Sexual and reproductive health   Download (pdf 585 KB)

Facilitating informed decision making among clients of sexual and reproductive health services: Partner perspectives

This research for Cordaid looked at the practices and perspectives of (Catholic) faith-based partner organisations and how they facilitate informed decision making among clients of HIV and sexual health services, amidst potentially challenging theological issues.

The research found that the 'faith identities' of faith-based organisations simultaneously increases and obfuscates their ability to facilitate informed decision making among clients seeking sexual health services.  In addition to the role of faith, there are broader religious, societal and political (legislative) factors which influence both the comprehensiveness of sexual services provided by FBOs, and the ability of individuals to make fully informed decisions. Taboos about discussing sex and sexuality, gender expectations around decision making, and conventional rols of family members in decision making affect both clients and faith-based organisations.  The report discusses the impact of contextual factors on sexual and reproductive health decision making among clients in three African countries: DRC, Malawi and South Africa, and draws out good practice and recommendations.