Answer the following questions and post your answers here. Cite references if possible.
- What do you think are the reasons for the high unmet need of FP in the Philippines?
Lack of Education. To fully exercise their right to choose and keep themselves, their partners, and their children healthy, partners require information about their reproductive and sexual health.
Social Stigma. Family planning has become stigmatized as a result of traditional ideas and attitudes. These views could be about limiting sexuality, such as the idea that young people should abstain from sexual activity until they marry, or how teaching adolescents about family planning encourages early sexual conduct.
Unsupportive Partners. Making decisions about family planning is challenging, especially when the other partner refuses to participate.
Unavailable resources. Shortages of contraceptives and health workers can also be a barrier to family planning. Even if there is a will, it is difficult to utilize what you do not have.
- What are ways you can suggest to increase the practice of FP in the country? Give least 1-2 suggestions.
Provide information about family planning, how it is carried out, and why they have the opportunity to partake in it. This will help them in grasping the concept and pique their interest in the subject. Providing women and couples with accurate and reassuring information about family planning is an important part of family planning promotion and advocacy. Promoting family planning effectively will encourage people to begin using contraception and to continue using it. Unnecessary maternal death or illness can be avoided with access to family planning information and services.
From an individual perspective, we must work with governments to make contraception more affordable. This can be accomplished by persuading national governments to reduce out-of-pocket fees, taxes, and levies on contraceptives in order to make them more affordable and accessible. Family planning programs must be sufficiently funded, with a dedicated budget line in both the national and sub-national budgets (if relevant). The money should be released on time, in full, and used wisely.
References:
Belanger et. al., (2016). Ways to strengthen family planning programs. Retrieved from https://www.devex.com/news/4-ways-to-strengthen-family-planning-programs-88811
UNFPA, (n.d.) Upsetting Reasons Women Aren’t Using Family Planning Around the World Today. Retrieved from https://www.friendsofunfpa.org/5-upsetting-reasons-women-arent-using-family-planning-around-the-world-today/