Answer the following questions and post your answers here. Cite references if possible.
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What do you think are the reasons of high unmet need of FP in the Philippines?
I believe that the primary reason for the high unmet need of family planning in the Philippines is the public’s lack of knowledge on reproductive health. This is parallel to the study of Casterline et al. (1997) that states that multiple information barriers are present on the use of contraceptives. Many are still uncertain about how they are used thus hindering couples from adapting to the method. Additionally, there is also inadequate or incorrect information regarding their side effects. On the other hand, some family planning methods are also confusing to implement. As a result, many are either discouraged in utilizing them or executing them inaccurately. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2013), unmet needs for family planning decreases with increasing education. Women who attained a higher level of education had the lowest percentage.
Aside from education, the high costs of contraceptives limits the couple’s choices on what health action to undertake. This hinders them from deciding based on their preferences which may then result in the abrupt interruption or discontinuation of the method.
Lastly, the religious shaping of the society also significantly influences the high unmet need of family planning. A large portion of the Filipino population are devoted Catholics who are known for their conservative nature. Additionally, the church only supports the use of natural methods of family planning and strongly opposes the use of contraceptives, labeling it as an “intrinsically evil” act. As such, many have a negative connotation on artificial methods.
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What are ways you can suggest to increase the practice of FP in the country? Give least 1-2 suggestions.
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Strengthen reproductive health education
Strengthening the reproductive health education in the Philippines will increase awareness on both natural and artificial means of family planning. This in turn, will give families background on the different choices available when deciding what health action to partake in.
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Expanding access to family planning devices such as condoms, birth control pills, etc.
The government should allot more funds and ensure efficient distribution of contraceptives especially in health centers of far flung areas. Additionally, there should be no judgment on who chooses to avail them.
References:
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
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2013). Unmet Need for Family Planning Remains High (Results from the 2011 Family Health Survey). Psa.gov.ph. https://psa.gov.ph/content/unmet-need-family-planning-remains-high-results-2011-family-health-survey