About Us
Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA) is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status, and is a fully accredited Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). We have been successfully operating with a focus on national and international policy and advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for over 30 years.
We are the national peak body for the six state and two territory sexual health and family planning organisations. Collectively, a six month period in 2006, these sexual and reproductive health organisations provide services to over 30,000 Australians, educate at least 19,000 social service professionals and promote the health of more than 81,000 individuals.
We are a leader in shaping the health rights agenda through advocacy, networking and capacity building. We operate within a human rights framework that recognises sexual rights as human rights.
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 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
- 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)
The state and territory based Member Organisations (MOs) are listed below. Follow the links to find out more about your local sexual health and/or family planning organisation.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Queensland
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
South Australia
Northern Territory
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