The ARHP
Values Project works toward transformative change in public perception and policy to place sexual and reproductive health care back where it belongs: as a fundamental and valued aspect of everyone's health and well-being throughout their lives. To accomplish this goal, ARHP will ensure that in all ARHP activities and in every appropriate forum there is always a discussion about the positive value sexual and reproductive health care brings to our lives. Success will be met and measured by basing this work on sound science and innovative, effective communications and outreach strategies. This is a long-term initiative that will result in understanding and acceptance of the broadest definition of sexual and reproductive health. The initial focus will be to prepare health professionals to be effective leaders and spokespeople committed to and capable of influencing public opinion and public policy.
ARHP’s Values Project is based on ARHP’s long standing focus on Preserving Core Values in Science. A fundamental value embraced by reproductive health scientists, clinicians and educators is the commitment to scientific objectivity and integrity. To help keep science objective, the scientific community not only fosters scientists' personal commitment to professional ethics and awareness of potential sources of bias, but also relies on systemic practices, such as peer review, to decrease bias. Similarly, a commitment to transparency allows scientists in the community to evaluate each other's evidence. But conducting research that is as objective and transparent as possible is a challenge that requires the active engagement of scientists and society.
The Values Project will work with partner organizations and ARHP’s membership to integrate all areas of reproductive health, including topics such as emerging technologies, reproductive health and the environment, reproductive genetics, reproductive rights and justice and others into professional, public and policy discourse. One focus will be to prepare respected reproductive health scientists, clinicians and educators as spokespeople who will speak to the fundamental value of sexual and reproductive health care based on sound science.
