Social structural model of women's reproductive rights: A cross-national study of developing countries

Using data from 101 developing countries, this study tests a theoretical mo del of women's reproductive rights in developing countries. The effects of modernization processes and family planning programs on women's reproductiv e rights are examined. It is found that family planning programs have no st atistically significant effect on women's reproductive rights, although the y contribute to the decline in population growth. The effect of women's edu cation on reproductive rights is found to be negative. Gender equality is t he most important factor that affects the achievement of women's reproducti ve rights in developing nations. Social and economic development does not d irectly influence women's reproductive rights, but functions through the at tainment of women's education and gender equality. Policy implications are discussed.