Pressing Need for Worldwide Access to Birth Control: Interview with Dr. Aparna Sridhar
Why's Access to Contraception a Crucial Issue Today?
Score one for reproductive autonomy and public health - access to contraception is paramount. Yet, it's been caught in a whirlwind of cultural, political, and resource barriers. A new study published by the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) shines a light on these issues. So, let's dive in and discover the key findings.
As lead researcher on the study, dig this - globally, ob-gyn societies are struggling to keep up with the needs of contraceptive care. While we've taken giant leaps in reproductive health, the access to contraception continues to be disjointed and complex. This study presents a golden opportunity to scrutinize the triumphs and pitfalls across FIGO's whopping 139 member societies.
What's the lowdown? FIGO polled reps from 70 member societies spanning five global regions. Here's the tea: 84% had national contraceptive guidelines, but only 37% had a family planning working group, and just 19% had a dedicated contraception focus group. It's clear that there's a (massive) focus on provider training, adolescent contraception, and debunking contraception misconceptions.
So, what's the game plan? Strengthen global cooperation by creating a network of sexual and reproductive health leaders under FIGO. It's also crucial to invest in research tailored to different regions and capacity building. By strengthening connections among member societies, we can borrow solutions, amplify successes, and keep the momentum going, working hand-in-hand with heavyweight organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and FP 2030.
Looking ahead, the world needs a formidable squad of sexual and reproductive health and rights experts. Contraception is more than just a cornerstone of reproductive freedom and gender equality; it's a powerful tool that prevents maternal mortality. Without access to quality, rights-based contraception, we can't tackle maternal mortality, health inequities, or other sustainable development goals.
Here's hoping this study triggers deeper collaboration across borders and ignites action to elevate contraception as essential healthcare. Together, we can arm everyone, everywhere with the tools and support necessary for informed reproductive choices.
Fun Facts:1. Addressing the unmet need for contraception globally could reduce maternal mortality by up to 30%[1].2. Contraception plays a crucial role in gender equality[2].3. FIGO's efforts to engage with member societies across five global regions has provided valuable insights in mapping the contraceptive landscape and pinpointing areas for improvement[3].
[1] World Health Organization. “Contraception.” - Link to source[2] Guttmacher Institute. “Why Access to Contraception Matters.” - Link to source[3] International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (FIGO) "FIGO Annual Conference - Highlights." - Link to source
- The study by the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) underscores the importance of addressing the unmet need for contraception in various health-and-wellness and sexual-health contexts, as it could significantly reduce maternal mortality by up to 30%.
- In line with the need for a formidable squad of sexual and reproductive health and rights experts, it's essential to note that contraception plays a crucial role in achieving gender equality, thereby contributing to multiple sustainable development goals.
