Vast inequalities threaten economies, communities and nations, says The State of World Population 2017 , UNFPA’s flagship report, released today.

Yet these inequalities are not simply a matter of wealth. Social, racial and political inequalities are all mutually reinforcing, trapping people in a cycle of poverty and marginalization, says the report.

And around the world, gender amplifies these inequalities . Too many women and girls do not have access to sexual and reproductive health care , which means they are unable to receive family planning services or antenatal care, and may be forced to give birth in unsafe conditions.

Pressed into motherhood early , or repeatedly, these girls and women are more prone to maternal injuries, disabilities or even death .... Read More