The Portuguese Parliament recognizes the day of the sexual health as a national day. A big step towards the recognition of sexual health as an element of fundamental importance with respect to individual well-being, but also for collective prevention. Portugal is the first nation in the world to recognize the World sexual health day (Wshd) as a national day, thanks to an important political action, promoted by the parliamentarian Isabel moreira.
The WSHD is an initiative of the World Association for Sexual Health (Was), the world organization for sexual health, and celebrated annually on September 4th, precisely to underline the weight of sexuality in health and well-being. A positive sexuality, therefore free from moralisms and restrictions, but also far from judgment and above all, a scientific sexuality. Talking about sexuality as “the most natural act in the world” excludes the complexity of experiences and pathologies related to the sexual sphere, only an in-depth knowledge of one’s body, pleasure, mutual respect, what health and health mean sexual well-being, can be counted as elements at the basis of sex positive.
Portugal is in a historical moment of great importance, a difficult legislative moment for many European countries, including Italy, in which the recognition of dignity for any sexual orientation and for sexual health, they still seem a long way off.
It is the Was, an international organization with over a hundred members around the world, which defines and promotes sexual health and sexual rights as basic elements of life and well-being, individual and collective. Was operates by promoting the sexual research for the benefit of sex education and primary services and care, designed for everyone.
The president of Was commented on the news from Portugal stating: “it is a historic day for the recognition of the importance of sexual health and sexual rights for everyone and all over the world”. The WSHD initiative, “celebrated all over the world, is finally formally recognized by a state. I am particularly proud that Portugal (my country) is playing a pioneering role. I hope this is the beginning of a broad movement for the recognition of the fundamental role of sexual health and the first step for governments, including the United Nations, to formally establish September 4th as the world day of sexual health ”.
The entire scientific community is confident that this is a first step e not an exception. In fact, since 2006, theWorld Health Organization (WHO), recognized the importance of sexual health by defining it as follows: “Sexual health is a state of well-being physical, emotional, mental and social related to sexuality; not reducible to the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the ability to have sexual experiences pleasant and safe, free from coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be achieved and maintained, everyone’s sexual rights must be respected, protected and satisfied”.
After yesterday’s vote in the European Parliament, which recognized sexual and reproductive health as a right, let Portugal be an inspiration, right in the midst of a period in which health is posited as foundation of life, even before other rights. We hope it’s full health, which you consider every aspect of the person, without splitting the mind, body and pleasure.
In collaboration with Dr. Francesca Vannucchi