About Us
Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA) is a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, and is a fully accredited Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). We operate within a human rights framework that recognises sexual rights as human rights and have been a leader in shaping the health rights agenda through advocacy, networking and capacity building at the national and international levels for over 30 years.
SH&FPA is the national peak body for the six state and two territory sexual health and family planning organisations (our Member Organisations). Collectively, these family planning organisations provide a range of clinical, community education and professional training services in sexual and reproductive health. These services include contraceptive services, counselling and information services, early intervention and health promotion services and management of sexual and reproductive health. Our Member Organisations have highly experienced staff and are considered experts in providing sexual and reproductive health and family planning clinical services, education, policy and research.
Our objectives
- Expand and strengthen a national approach to sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, for all Australians with a focus on high needs and at risk populations
- Advocate for policies that support a public and population health response to sexual health and family planning needs in Australia and internationally
- Disseminate and educate on best practice research and policies
The issues
- Sexual and reproductive health is important throughout life. It is fundamental to a positive identity and for the enjoyment of social relationships
- Unwanted pregnancy, sexual violence, homophobia, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infertility are major contributors to morbidity and associated costs in Australia
- Many sexual and reproductive health problems are preventable. Current levels of ill health and government investment in treatment services and research require urgent attention
- Sexual and reproductive ill health disproportionately affects population groups already experiencing inequalities related to gender, cultural background, sexual orientation, disability, and other factors
- The Australian Government is a signatory to international treaties that require the respect, protection and fulfillment of sexual and reproductive rights for all people
How we work
We work collaboratively and in partnership with other national and international sexual health and family planning organisations, government, industry and the private sector where there are common objectives to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights.
International Partners
- Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)
- Member of the Asia Pacific Alliance (APA) on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
National Partners
- State and Territory Sexual Health and Family Planning Organisations(click the logos to the right for more info)
- Organisational Member of Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM)
- Founding Member of the Australasian Sexual Health Alliance (ASHA)
- The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
- Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
- Australian Council for International Development (ACFID)
- Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health
- African Women’s Council of Australia
- Public Health Association Australia
Please contact us for more information or advice on how you can support our work
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