BACKGROUND:
Maternal, adolescent, and child health (MACH) remains a cornerstone of global public health and a critical indicator of health system performance. Despite substantial progress, preventable morbidity and mortality persist, particularly among women, adolescents, and children in low-resource and marginalized settings. Structural inequities, gender discrimination, and violations of women’s health rights continue to undermine access to quality, respectful, and comprehensive care across the life course.

METHODS:
This paper presents a narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed evidence, global monitoring reports, and international human rights frameworks relevant to MACH. Key sources included the Lancet maternal and child health series, World Health Organization (WHO) strategies, and rights-based frameworks grounded in international conventions. The analysis examined linkages between health outcomes, gender equity, health system responsiveness, and rights-based approaches to care.

RESULTS:
Evidence demonstrates that health systems integrating women’s health rights such as bodily autonomy, informed consent, freedom from discrimination, and access to sexual and reproductive health services—achieve better maternal, adolescent, and child health outcomes. Rights-based and gender-responsive interventions were associated with increased service utilization, improved quality of care, and reductions in preventable mortality. Adolescent-centered approaches further contributed to improved reproductive health outcomes and intergenerational health gains.

DISCUSSION:
The findings underscore that MACH outcomes cannot be improved through biomedical interventions alone. Addressing gender norms, power imbalances, and structural barriers is essential to achieving equity and sustainability. A rights-based framework strengthens accountability, enhances health system trust, and aligns MACH strategies with broader social justice goals. Impact on Practice This work provides policymakers, practitioners, and advocates with evidence-informed guidance to embed women’s health rights within MACH policies and programs. Advancing rights-based, life-course approaches is fundamental to achieving equitable, resilient, and people-centred health systems globally.