Unmet Need and Practice of Family Planning
What do you think are the reasons of high unmet need of FP in the Philippines?
Unmet need for family planning refers to the percentage of women who do not want to be pregnant but are not using any method of contraception. It emphasizes the gap between women's fertility preferences and their contraceptive behavior. In 2017, the Philippines reported 17% of unmet need for family planning among married women and 49% among unmarried sexually active women.
- Health concerns about contraceptive methods. Many are afraid to use contraceptive methods because they are concerned about the "side effects, menstrual disruption, health risks and worries about permanent or long-term impairment for future fertility" (Machiyama et al., 2017). Fear of side effects is also considered the primary reason for discontinuation for first-time users. Oftentimes, these concerns are based on their actual experience with the contraceptive or the experience of their peers and relatives. Moreover, rumors and lack of reproductive health education play an important role in causing these phenomena.
- Social norms. Negative social norms around premarital sexual activity discourage many young Filipino women from accessing family planning services. In a 2013 survey, it was found that 83% of women aged 15-24 agreed with the maintenance of virginity until marriage, even though 14% of 15–19 year-olds and 49% of those aged 20–24 years experienced first sexual intercourse before marriage (DRDF & UPPI, 2016).
- Infrequent sex. Married women reasoned out their choice of not using contraceptives with few or no sexual activity. They believe contraceptives are no longer needed since they consider themselves to be at no or low risk of conceiving, regardless of their reproductive preferences.
What are ways you can suggest to increase the practice of FP in the country? Give at least 1-2 suggestions.
Reducing the unmet need for family planning has been the goal of numerous government policies, programs, and research regarding reproductive health. Some suggestions to increase the practice of family planning in the country include:
- Increase public awareness. A national information campaign can help meet educational needs regarding family planning. Through media exposure such as radio, television, and social media, Filipinos can be informed about family planning and its principles and methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each practice so they can make appropriate and informed choices. Health providers need the training to improve and update their knowledge of the efficacy and trends of all methods to provide better client education.
- Free contraceptives. Families must be given free contraceptives upon consultation. The government must strengthen the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 or the RH Law to guarantee universal and free access to modern contraceptives for all Filipinos, including impoverished communities at health centers.
References:
Guttmacher Institue & Likhaan Center for Women's Health. (n.d.). Facts on barriers to contraceptive use in the Philippines. https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/factsheet/fb-contraceptives-philippines.pdf
Machiyama, K., Casterline, J., Mumah, J., Huda, F.A., Obare, F., Odwe, G., Kabiru, C., ... Cleland, J. (2017). Reasons for unmet need for family planning, with attention to the measurement of fertility preferences: protocol for a multi-site cohort study. Reproductive Health, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-016-0268-z
Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc. & University of the Philippines Population Institute (2016). The 2013 young adult fertility and sexuality study in the Philippines. Demographic Research and Development Foundation, Inc. and University of the Philippines Population Institute.