Contraception Access

Have you ever wondered what would have happened if you experienced a delayed sexual debut or if you didn’t require a third party to authenticate your need to take on a contraception plan?

The need for modern contraception access is urgent and fundamental in achieving universal healthcare, most importantly Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH). Research shows that if women met their desired contraception method goals, 54 million unintended pregnancies 6 million abortions of which about 15.5 million are unsafe, 7 million miscarriages, over 78,000 maternal deaths, and 1.1million infant deaths would be prevented. (see reference link)

Numbers don’t lie, so is the gut feeling compelling you to consider taking up a contraception method convenient for you. There are over eight contraception methods with condoms and the morning after pill as the most common. Contraceptive injection, contraceptive ring, the Intrauterine Device (IUD), and vasectomy are some of the varied options one should consider. These options clearly show that women suffer the burden of family planning as compared to their male counterparts. But come to think of it, we are most affected as women because we are required to give up our educational goals and dreams to undergo the cycle of pregnancy, childbirth, and raising them often with the child’s unguaranteed father’s presence.

Every woman has a right to contraception access. Women should have the freedom to decide how long they want to delay their subsequent pregnancy for any reason whatsoever. Several nations are bound to different treaties and international laws that require them to protect and promote these interdependent rights. They are the right to life, survival, development, the right to education and information, and the right to the highest attainable health standards.

By deciding to survey your contraception options and choosing what works for you, opting to undergo an abortion, or delaying your next pregnancy, you are practicing reproductive freedom. Prioritizing your educational and career goals should never make you feel any lesser of a woman. You are a self-aware woman with her interests at heart, choosing a path you believe is better for you emotionally, socially, economically, and politically.