This article discusses current issues and debates surrounding the promotion of men's participation in public reproductive health programs in Latin America. There is little disagreement in the Region about the importance of this goal, but opinions differ as to how they should participate.

The following topics are discussed in this article:

the relationship between men's own reproductive health needs and their role in improving the reproductive health of their female partners; the need to analyze gender inequities and hegemonic masculinity; the relationship between men's and women's sexual and reproductive rights; and the need for separate services for men versus their integration in existing reproductive health services. The article concludes by underlining the importance of health promotion strategies throughout the life cycle in order to improve sustainable changes toward greater equity in reproductive health, within a gender oriented, ethical and human rights framework