In a world where reproductive health is deeply personal and unique to each individual, it’s essential to recognize the significance of offering a diverse range of contraceptive options. It’s about more than just contraception; it’s about fostering autonomy, enabling informed decisions, and advancing global efforts toward reproductive health and family planning.
According to the Country Director, Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, Mr. Lucky Palmer “Women’s bodies is not a democracy to be debated upon. Women should have their own rights to make a choice, it is not my responsibility or any other person to decide for a woman. After all when you are sick, you do not wait for someone to tell you to seek medical attention or you’re not denied access to healthcare because it’s your choice, therefore every woman should have the rights to choose a contraceptive of their choices. Their body, their choice.”
In Nigeria, only 12% of married women aged 15-49 use a modern method of family planning. Modern method uses ranges from a low of 2% in both Sokoto and Yobe states to a high of 29% in Lagos. (2018 NDHS) This sobering statistic underscores the urgent need to mark World Contraception Day, not just as an observance but as a call to action.
Together, we can raise awareness, break down barriers, and empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and rights to contraception.