The increased use reflects a major health success that has enabled millions of young people to avoid unwanted pregnancies and exercise choices about their future, but UNFPA said that “for too many people, the basic human right to choose whether to have children continues to be undermined.”
“Contraceptives save lives”
According to UNFPA, the lack of availability of contraceptives leads to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and higher rates of maternal deaths as a result of unsafe abortions.
The consequences extend far beyond health and contribute to an increase in teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and a higher risk of gender violence.
“Contraceptives save lives,” reiterated Diene Keita, executive director of UNFPA.
In addition, they also generate important economic benefits.
“Every dollar spent to end unmet need for contraceptives generates nearly $27 in economic benefits,” Ms. Keita said.
A peer educator speaks to a group of sex workers in Bangladesh about the benefits of using condoms.
Here are five common myths about contraception.
1. Contraception is not safe
According to UNFPA, modern contraceptive methods are among the “most prescribed and best-studied” medications available.
The health risks associated with an unwanted pregnancy are “significantly greater” than any recommended method of contraception.
2. Using contraceptives can cause an abortion
Contraceptives do not cause abortions or miscarriages; They act by preventing fertilization or ovulation, preventing pregnancy from occurring in the first place.
3. Contraceptives damage your fertility
Contraceptives do not cause infertility. Some hormonal methods (such as injectable contraceptives) may temporarily delay the resumption of ovulation and menstruation, but do not cause permanent infertility.
4. Natural family planning methods are safer than hormonal methods.
Nowadays, alternative contraceptive methods are becoming very popular on social media: cycle tracking methods, fertility awareness methods (i.e. daily temperature monitoring).
These “natural methods” are “much less likely to prevent pregnancy,” UNFPA stressed. “The most effective contraceptive methods are modern methods.”
5. You should not use contraceptives if you are single or if your partner does not want you to do so.
Research shows that young people with access to information and services related to sexual and reproductive health do not increase their sexual activity.
Rather, it provides them with information to make responsible decisions.
“Everyone has the right to decide whether or not to become pregnant,” UNFPA said.
No one should ever be pressured into having unprotected sex, a form of reproductive coercion that UNFPA has reiterated constitutes abuse.
