Rome, 01/12/2023 - The European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) and the Associazione Italiana donne per lo sviluppo Onlus (AIDOS) co-organised the G7 parliamentary workshop on Population, Demography, and Fertility at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, Italy, on the 1st of December. A delegation of parliamentarians from 15 different countries gathered in Rome to address the polarised political discourse surrounding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the context of demography within today's democracies.
The G7 Parliamentary Workshop on Population, Demography, and Fertility aimed to respond to the growing global concerns about population trends and the often-violated rights related to sexual and reproductive health. As the world's population reached 8 billion in November 2022, discussions on demography, fertility, and migration must uphold human rights in the face of population challenges.
The workshop delved into demographic trends, including debunking conspiracy theories and exploring demographic realities, such as the 'Great Replacement' and 'Demographic Winter.' Additionally, parliamentarians discussed proactive policies to address demographic change, including the intersection of migration and population dynamics.
Senator Sandra Zampa, Chair of the Italian APPG, pointed out that “International cooperation on family planning is more important than ever. We must discuss effective strategies, sharing know-how and experiences."
Amidst these discussions, it was highlighted that a significant number of partnered women, approximately 44%, are unable to make decisions over healthcare, sex, or contraception. The workshop emphasised the importance of tackling fertility concerns without violating the fundamental human right of women to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children.
“The debate on fertility is crucial to many G7 countries that need to face the decline of their population, but this has to be done while protecting women’s choices in this policy realm.” Hon. Lia Quartapelle (MP, Italy; EPF Executive Committee Member)
The event served as a contribution to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) at 30 process, acknowledging previous commitments made in Beijing, Cairo, and renewed in Nairobi within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
