Answer the following questions and post your answers here. Cite references if possible.
-
What do you think are the reasons of high unmet need of FP in the Philippines?
Opposition to contraception - The government's family planning program in the Philippines is a huge deal because the country is largely Christian. For one thing, it's been met with considerable pushback from Catholics who are deeply devoted. Conservative social norms and religious or fatalistic ideas may also be the source of opposition.
Lack of knowledge or access - Low-income communities are less likely to practice family planning because of lack of knowledge and access to FP methods and services. The government's low-cost family planning and sex education services are aimed at these areas.
Fear of side effects and health risks - Misinformation about the side effects of family planning has always been a barrier to its usage. At the individual and societal levels, the most common family planning myths were that "those who use contraceptives end up with health problems," "contraceptives are detrimental to women's health," and "contraceptives can injure your womb."
-
What are ways you can suggest to increase the practice of FP in the country? Give least 1-2 suggestions.
- Erase the social stigma of FP
- Make FP more accessible and convenient to everyone
- Lower the costs of contraceptives
- Educate the community especially couples and sexually active individuals
- Raise awareness of the need for FP
Reference
Sedgh, Gilda, et al. “Unmet Need for Contraception in Developing Countries: Examining Women's Reasons for Not Using a Method.” Guttmacher Institute, 8 July 2016, https://www.guttmacher.org/report/unmet-need-for-contraception-in-developing-countries.