India Requires Investment In Contraceptive Choices: Experts

In 2023, India integrated 2 new Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods into its public health system: the subdermal implant and the subcutaneous Antara injection

New Delhi: More than 65 per cent of India’s population falls in the reproductive age group, which requires urgent investment in contraceptive choices, especially birth spacing methods, said experts on World Contraception Day on Thursday.

World Contraception Day is observed every year on September 26 to raise awareness about the importance of family planning and reproductive health. The theme this year is: “A choice for all. Freedom to plan, power to choose.”

Adequately spaced pregnancies can boost maternal and child health outcomes. This will lead to better maternal and child health, reduced unintended or unplanned pregnancies, and greater economic stability for families.

“India's young population, with over 65 per cent under 35, requires urgent investment in contraceptive choices, especially spacing methods,” Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director Population Foundation of India, said.

According to NFHS 5 (2019-21), 4 per cent of India's unmet contraceptive need is for spacing methods.

“Expanding access to these options will improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance economic productivity by allowing women to better participate in the workforce,” Muttreja said.

She called on improving the quality of care in family planning and reproductive health services.

“Policies must prioritise delivering respectful, high-quality care, as women who feel valued and respected are more likely to use contraception effectively and adopt healthier family planning practices,” Muttreja said.

In 2023, India integrated two new Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods into its public health system: the subdermal implant and the subcutaneous Antara injection.

However, it comes after a 30-year delay, during which Indian women were deprived of crucial contraceptive options. At the same time it was adopted by many countries around the world, including our neighbouring countries, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Muttreja said.