What do you think are the reasons of high unmet need of FP in the Philippines?
Unmet family planning needs are defined as a disparity of expressed reproductive goals and contraceptive use. Rising incidence have a substantial impact on social welfare as well as demographic backgrounds, particularly among women. It must therefore be addressed in order to meet individual reproductive goals as well as national demographic goals. We should then look at the root cause of this; one factor, in my opinion, that contributes to the high unmet need for family planning in the Philippines is the lack of access to family planning services such as counseling. Another thing I could think of is that since sexual health education is taboo in the Philippines, those who participate in sexual activities are much less likely to seek proper education, resulting in unplanned pregnancies and riskier behaviors. With the clear lack of proper education that is both available and accessible to everyone, it gives rise to other issues such as incorrect fertility preferences and contraceptive use, low-risk conception perceptions, and high contraception expenses.
What are ways you can suggest to increase the practice of FP in the country? Give least 1-2 suggestions.
- Engage more and destigmatize conversations on sexual health education and contraceptive use to make it a discourse that educates everyone.
- Ensure wide access of family planning services, in which I could think of, is through the Reproductive Health Law.
- Ensure that people make informed choices through provision of proper education regarding family planning.
- Empower women’s rights and preferences.
- Emphasize men’s equal responsibility with women on procreating. Let us advocate for responsible parenthood!
References
Biddlecom, A. E., Casterline, J. B., & Perez, A. E. (1997). Factors Underlying Unmet Need for Family Planning in the Philippines. Studies in Family Planning, 173.