Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), General Recommendation No. 19: Violence against Women, HRI/GEN/1/Rev.9 (Vol. II), 30 January 1992

Forced sterilization as a form of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Art. 1 CEDAW
Art. 5 CEDAW
Art. 12 CEDAW
Art. 16 CEDAW

1. The definition of discrimination includes gender-based violence, that is, violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately.  It includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty. Gender-based violence, which impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of human rights and fundamental freedoms under general international law or under human rights conventions, is discrimination within the meaning of article 1 of the Convention.

2. Compulsory sterilization or abortion adversely affects women’s physical and mental health, and infringes the right of women to decide on the number and spacing of their children.

3. States parties are required by article 12 CEDAW to take measures to ensure equal access to health care. Violence against women puts their health and lives at risk. In some States there are traditional practices perpetuated by culture and tradition that are harmful to the health of women and children. These practices include dietary restrictions for pregnant women, preference for male children and female circumcision or genital mutilation.