The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo was a ground-breaking contribution to women's health because of its paradigm shift from demographic control and women’s identity as child-bearers, towards a more holistic understanding of sexuality and reproduction. Dr. Troncoso explained that several important concepts emerged: gender (inclusive of men's reproductive rights and responsibilities), human sexuality (understood as integral to personhood), comprehensive sexuality education, and the right to infertility treatment.
Dr. Troncoso made recommendations for legislators to take leadership on fulfilling the ICPD agenda, singling out the need for policies to guarantee adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health services that are confidential, youth-friendly, and culturally-appropriate. Since the services that exist in the region are frequently donor-funded, lawmakers must also work to guarantee universal and equitable healthcare systems.
María Antonieta Alcalde, Director of Advocacy of the International Planned Parenthood Federation / Western Hemisphere Region, then gave a presentation (in Spanish) further detailing the impact and regional implications of the ICPD Programme of Action. Its major contribution has been its rights-based influence on public policy, placing women, youth and marginalized groups at the centre of discussions. Under this framework, women are in control of the number of children they have and when (if) they choose to have them.