Answer the following questions and post your answers here. Cite references if possible.
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What do you think are the reasons for the high unmet need of FP in the Philippines?
The unmet need for family planning is considered a barrier to women’s reproductive desire to avoid pregnancy and contraceptive behavior. Different factors underlying this unmet need for family planning in the Philippines were revealed in a study wherein currently married couples in 2 provinces in the country. Various reasons were determined to contribute as to why the goal of providing family planning services is still not achieved. One of which is the weakened desire among Filipino women to practice proper contraception. A possible reason behind this is their belief that they are at low risk of conceiving a child. This greatly affects family planning as well since they opt not to use contraceptives nor practice family planning at all. Another factor to consider is the excessive costs of contraception; this shows how the current situation of family planning services in the Philippines—it is far from inclusive. This statement holds true as not everyone has access to proper information regarding contraception and reproductive health due to factors, such as socioeconomic status. Lack of education regarding this matter may result in the belief that most contraceptive methods have detrimental side effects, which adds to the already weakened desire to practice family planning through contraception among Filipinos. The study was also able to present the social and cultural perspectives surrounding the use of contraceptives. Since the Philippines is considered to be a patriarchal society, wherein most of the decision-making ability of the family is given to males, the husband’s perspective greatly affects family planning practices because they have their own fertility preferences and perception of contraception, which may not always align with that of their partner’s.
Therefore, in order to finally meet the need for family planning in the Philippines, we should start small and promote education regarding family planning, especially among the youth and women. Even if the country is known to be conservative on topics, such as sex and contraception to a point that these are viewed as “taboos,” openly discussing these should be strongly encouraged, as it will inform many individuals, thus clearing out any fears or misconceptions and increase contraceptive prevalence rate; in turn, reduce the unmet need for modern family planning.
Reference:
Casterline, J. B., Perez, A. E., & Biddlecom, A. E. (1997). Factors Underlying Unmet Need for Family Planning in the Philippines. Studies in Family Planning, 28(3), 173–191. https://doi.org/10.2307/2137886
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What are ways you can suggest to increase the practice of FP in the country? Give least 1-2 suggestions.
Promote reproductive health education in all schools nationwide. Correct misconceptions with medically proven information and address concerns to eradicate any fear or doubts on contraceptives by openly discussing sex and reproductive health in schools among health educators and students. Integrate these topics in the school curriculum among adolescents in elementary and high school since it is at this age that they start to explore more about their sexuality. By providing them sufficient information on contraception, they could make well-thought-of decisions; thus helping them avoid instances they might regret in the future, such as unwanted pregnancy and abortion. Health education must also include knowledge on how to prevent the transmission of STDs through safe and protected sex. Focus on the different types of modern contraceptive methods available in the country so they could be aware of what they can access. Teaching both men and women about female reproductive health is also important. Aim to provide women the basic information about the concept and process of pregnancy, the contraceptive methods available to them, and what method is most appropriate for them.
Increase funding for family planning services to expand access to safe, high-quality, cost-effective contraceptives and free counseling on family planning. To provide health teaching and counseling on family planning, rural areas should be visited by well-trained health practitioners and community health volunteers. Utilizing outreach programs for family planning counseling is a good opportunity for those less privileged to seek family planning services at a community level. Family planning counseling in hospitals and house-to-house visits addresses missed opportunities where women are offered the appropriate family planning services. To improve family planning inclusivity, the government must allow extra funding to provide low-cost or free contraceptive methods for all Filipinos. Furthermore, additional financial support can also be given to poor families with low income so that they can afford their preferred contraceptive method. Partnerships between the government and private sector can help family planning services utilize a multisector approach in providing contraceptive methods to men and women, as well.
Involve men, especially in the use of contraception. Empower equal rights and responsibilities of males and females. Through this, responsible parenthood for both the mother and the father is shared. Couples must agree and share the same decision on their preferred contraceptive or family planning method, and perception of fertility. Ensuring that both parents get equal access to family planning programs and share the same understanding on the right reproductive health practices help promote “healthy family” in their family planning wherein they can space when to have children and raise a family according to how prepared they are economically, psychologically, and physically.