Empowerment Through Contraceptive Access In Low-income Nations

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Njoya Yanfam Afssa Salma currently a fifth year medical student attending the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMPS) of the University of Douala, Cameroon. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

Access to contraception is essential for women’s health and societal development, particularly in developing countries. Providing women with information about reproductive health enables them to improve their economic productivity and bring a great social change .

In many developing nations, limited access to modern contraceptives forces women to rely on unsafe methods, leading to high rates of unintended pregnancies. These pregnancies hinder women’s educational and employment opportunities concomitantly favoring the perpetuation of poverty. Women denied reproductive autonomy are often marginalized, unable to participate fully in their communities.

Studies have shown that when women can access modern contraceptives, they are more likely to pursue education and join the workforce. This would significantly enhance women’s educational and professional prospects, promoting societal balance.

The economic implications of empowering women through contraception are profound . The World Economic forum indicates that <<family planning does more than save lives; it also saves money. For every dollar invested in reproductive health services, $2.20 is saved in pregnancy-related health-care costs>>. When women can choose when to have children, they can better care for their families and ensure their children receive education, cultivating a more skilled future human capital. Such investments promote intergenerational equity and  reinforce community economic systems.

Contraception is essential for maternal and child health. Women who can plan their pregnancies experience fewer complications during childbirth especially where there’s poor accessibility to health care.Improving women’s reproductive health is  significant for building healthier families and achieving sustainable development.The UNFPA states that <<Currently, nearly 257 million women worldwide most of whom live in low-income and middle-income countries have an unmet need for modern contraception, which increases their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, as well as to unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion and preventable maternal death.>>

Still,barriers to accessing contraception persist in low-income countries, including traditional practices, illiteracy, and weak healthcare systems. Tackling these challenges requires an integrated approach. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must develop harmonized reproductive health programs that promote education and accessibility.

Community involvement is crucial in overcoming these barriers. Engaging local leaders and including men in family planning discussions can foster positive attitudes towards reproductive health initiatives . Encouraging women to stand up for their health rights can also lead to significant community changes.

Ultimately , controlling fertility is not just a mere women’s rights issue; it is indispensable for the well-being of developing nations. By empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies and future , societies can unlock vast economic potential. Investing in the health and opportunities of all women and girls is vital for creating a more equitable and thriving future.

“Healthy families are created by choice, not by chance,” said the late Dr. Nafis Sadik.

References 

1-UNFPA(United Nations Population Fund) https://www.unfpa.org/events/world-contraception-day

2-World economic forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/07/the-economic-benefits-of-family-planning/

3-Guttmacher Institute 

https://www.guttmacher.org/report/adding-it-up-costs-and-benefits-contraceptive-services-2017

About the author

Njoya Yanfam Afssa Salma currently a fifth year medical student attending the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FMPS) of the University of Douala, Cameroon. She desires to be a women’s advocate with special interest into sexual and reproductive health. She shares passion for helping others and dedication to gaining medical knowledge. She finds joy in reading and writing, using these hobbies to deepen her understanding and connect with others through shared insights.