The year 2019 marks two important milestones in the field of reproductive health and rights: 50 years since UNFPA began operations, and 25 years since the landmark International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo.

The report shows that while much has been gained, much remains to be done to empower those who are not yet able to enjoy their rights and whose choices are still constrained. The pursuit of rights and choices for all is ongoing, with new challenges emerging all the time. 

Remarkable gains have been made in sexual and reproductive health and rights since 1969, when UNFPA was established. But despite progress, hundreds of millions of women today still face economic, social, institutional and other barriers that prevent them from making their own decisions about whether, when, how often and with whom to become pregnant. The pursuit of rights and choices is an ongoing one, with new challenges emerging all the time.