Is sexual autonomy a protective factor for neonatal, child, and infant mortality? A multi-country analysis

Sexual autonomy empowers women to set boundaries, take control of their bodies, prevent sexually transmitted diseases and avoid unplanned pregnancy. A woman’s ability to negotiate safer sex is crucial for her survival and that of her child. Sexual autonomy among East African women is vital to the elimination of the deaths of neonates, infants, and children. The aim of our study was to explore the association of sexual autonomy on neonatal, infant, and child mortality.

Memiah P, Opanga Y, Bond T, Cook C, Mwangi M, Fried J, et al. (2019) Is sexual autonomy a protective factor for neonatal, child, and infant mortality? A multi-country analysis. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0212413. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212413