The importance of World Contraception Day
Every woman has the right to choose whether or when to have children. This means that every woman should have access to contraception, i.e. birth control, and family planning.
World Contraception Day is recognized on September 26 every year as a day to raise awareness around contraception and safe sex. Launched in 2007, it’s a global campaign to ensure that women, especially young women, can make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
Here are some of the reasons why World Contraception Day is important.
Women have a right to choose.
Making informed decisions around one’s sexual and reproductive health isn’t a luxury — it’s a right. Women should have the freedom to choose how they want to go about their reproductive health.
There are many different forms of contraception — like the birth control pill (commonly referred to as “the pill”), implants, injectables, the patch, male and female condoms, vaginal rings, IUDs (intrauterine devices), sterilization, and abstinence.
With all these options, women shouldn’t be limited in which contraceptive method they can use. Quality access to contraception doesn’t just mean access to some or a few methods. It means that women have access to comprehensive information on contraception, and access to their preferred method.
Safe sex is important.
Having safe sex helps prevent sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, which affect millions of people around the world every year. If you’re sexually active, learning about STIs and getting tested protects you and your partner.
All women 21 and older should also do regular pap tests (or pap smears), which screen for precancerous cells that may lead to cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor about STI testing and the pap test, which are both key elements of sexual and reproductive health.
Contraception benefits health and well-being.
Contraception and family planning can improve women’s health and well-being as they can avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Some contraception such as the birth control pill offers additional benefits. It may help treat menstrual disorders such as endometriosis or help to reduce acne. Condoms also protect against STIs.
Almost all sexually active women use some form of contraception.
Contraception is widely used, and therefore information and access should be widely available.
Research shows that in the U.S., almost all sexually active women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old) used at least one form of contraception at some point in their lives.
Around the world, there are 1.9 billion women of reproductive age and 1.1 billion have a need for family planning, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet for more than one in five of these women (270 million to be exact), the need for family planning is unmet.
Barriers to contraceptive care continue to exist.
Lack of knowledge and limited access are two common barriers to accessing contraceptive care and methods.
For instance, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that the focus on abstinence in sex education leads to a lack of knowledge about contraception. Some people may be worried about unwanted side effects or they may think that contraception causes abortion. However, many methods do not interfere with pregnancy.
Opposition also comes in the form of cultural and religious views, and laws or policies that limit access. Women with insurance may still have to pay high costs compared to noncontraceptive drugs. In some cases, insurance may not cover contraception at all.
Access to contraception is more important than ever.
United Nations human rights experts say that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to limited family planning services in some places, making it harder to access contraceptive care.
Yet, these experts recognize the importance of contraceptive care. For World Contraception Day, they call on countries to provide modern methods of family planning, stigma-free services, and evidence-based information. That’s where Alpha can help.
Alpha provides affordable, accessible health care for women.
Contraceptive care is an essential part of women’s health. Alpha provides access to many different birth control methods including the birth control pill, patch, vaginal ring, and emergency contraception without a visit to the doctor’s office. You can order birth control online (with or without insurance) and have it delivered to you with free shipping.
This World Contraception Day (WCD), let’s spread awareness about the importance of contraception and empower women to make informed, healthy choices. For more resources, check out Alpha’s blog posts on birth control, view these infographics from the WHO, or visit the Your Life website to learn more about the WCD campaign. If you’re ready to access birth control from your home, get started with Alpha today.
