Mainstreaming Reproductive Mental Health of Women: The Unmet Need of the Hour

Abstract

While the existing research is limited, over recent years, there has been growing awareness to understand the mental health of women during menstruation, menopause, and postpartum. A woman's distinct reproductive life stages adversely affect her psychological well-being, aggravated by other underlying social, economic, and cultural factors. Drawing upon the analysis of governing laws and women’s reproductive health literature, the existing reproductive health law, educational, and workplace frameworks in India are inadequate for supporting the reproductive mental health of women. It is of critical importance to adopt a holistic approach and call for mainstreaming the reproductive mental health of women through urgent legal and healthcare reforms.