Defining National Sexual and Reproductive Health Indicators

Reproductive health is a fundamental component of the health of populations. Reliable information obtained through the measurement of indicators of reproductive health is essential for identifying gaps and potential service needs in reproductive health. Such information is also necessary to monitor the impact of health policies and interventions to improve reproductive health. A number of surveys and registries capture some of these reproductive health indicators, however important information such as the number of pregnancies and abortions in the population is not reliable. Furthermore, other indicators, including childbearing intention, contraceptive use, the number of pregnancies and whether or not they are intended, and access to contraception and reproductive health care, are not captured at all. Methods of collecting data vary among surveys, such that comparisons across jurisdictions and trends cannot reliably be determined. Through an on-line survey and a face-to-face meeting, the proposed planning activity will bring together experts, researchers, knowledge users and public stakeholders from across Canada as well as international experts whose interests are reproductive health and health indicator measurement. The goal is to reach a consensus about a core set of reproductive health indicators and agree on means of collecting those indicators through administrative or survey methods that can be harmonized across all Canadian jurisdictions. We will focus on priority areas in reproductive health that are not currently well measured such as contraception, pregnancy intention, abortion, and access to contraception and family planning health services. This evidence will allow robust comparisons between jurisdictions and populations, and monitoring of trends over time. It is the foundation needed to inform actions to improve effectiveness and efficiency of clinical care, and to develop policies and programs that improve reproductive health of Canadians.