ABSTRACT At the outpatient clinic of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital, perceptions and practices of 1000 women regarding their reproductive health rights (reproductive rights) were evaluated. The majority had positive perceptions about their rights to reproductive health; however, 30% disagreed with prohibitions of discrimination against women, particularly prohibitions of female genital mutilation (FGM). A significant association was found between perceptions of sexual rights and demographic characteristics and between education and practices regarding early detection of cancer. No significant association was found between education and concepts of adolescent health education as a reproductive right. Programmes about women's reproductive rights that emphasize the issue of sexual health through religious education are recommended as one of the best strategies for the eradication of FGM.