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A remarcable pioneer in the field of sexology has left us

Dr Mireille Bonierbale (1945-2025) died on September 20th at the Leon Berard Hospital in Lyon (France).

She never left sexology

 

Mireille lived and worked in Marseille, France, where she spent her entire career as a physician, psychiatrist, and medical sexologist. She practiced as a psychiatrist in a public hospital from 2002 to 2012 and created the Interdisciplinary Diploma in Sexology (Faculty of Medicine, University of Marseille), which she directed between 1988 and 2012. She was president of the AIUS (Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Association of Sexology) and a founding member and member of the executive committee of the French Federation of Sexology and Sexual Health. She was also a founding member and president of SOFECT (French Society for the Study and Treatment of Transsexualism). Finally, she was the founding editor-in-chief and editor-in-chief of the journal Sexologies: European Journal of Sexology and Sexual Health, which has become the European reference in sexological science. She also participated, along with Robert Porto, to the leadership of the European Federation of Sexology.

After more than 40 years of clinical practice (in private practice and in public hospitals), she retired but continued to serve as editor-in-chief of the journal. In addition to her significant involvement in the management of French and European sexology organizations, Mireille Bonierbale was a pioneer in the care of transgender adults (2004-2012), sexual dysfunction, and forensic sexology. She received the WAS Gold Medal in 2019 at the WAS Congress in Mexico City. She advocated for an open and multidisciplinary medical approach in sexology.

 

 

 

 

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A Shared Commitment to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

The ESCRH Position Paper reaffirms that sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental human rights and should be guaranteed to all individuals without discrimination, coercion, or violence. The document highlights the importance of evidence-based healthcare, equitable access to contraception, comprehensive sexuality education, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and protection from gender-based violence.

The position paper also emphasizes the need to address inequalities affecting marginalized populations, including adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, older adults, and sex workers. It calls for inclusive, accessible, and rights-based healthcare systems capable of meeting the needs of diverse communities.

Key Areas of Focus

Among its main recommendations, the document advocates for:

  • Universal access to modern contraception and family planning services;
  • Safe, legal, and dignified reproductive healthcare;
  • Comprehensive sexuality and reproductive health education throughout the lifespan;
  • Stronger prevention, screening, and treatment strategies for sexually transmitted infections and HIV;
  • Improved access to HPV vaccination and reproductive cancer prevention programs;
  • Action against gender-based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation;
  • Protection of evidence-based healthcare from misinformation and ideological interference.

The paper further highlights the importance of professional education, scientific research, and international collaboration in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Supporting Evidence-Based and Rights-Centred Healthcare

EFS shares the view that sexual and reproductive health is closely linked to human dignity, equality, public health, and social justice. The Federation therefore supports the principles and recommendations outlined in the ESCRH Position Paper and welcomes continued collaboration among professional organizations working to promote sexual health and wellbeing throughout Europe.

Read the Full Position Paper

EFS encourages members, professionals, and stakeholders to consult the complete document published by the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health.