World Contraception Day takes place on September 6 each year. It is a part of a worldwide campaign, which envisions that every pregnancy in the world should be wanted. It generates awareness of the different kinds of contraception that women can use. The day was founded in the year 2007, and raises the importance of birth control and family planning.
Why is awareness of contraceptives important?
Awareness about the different kinds of contraceptives available helps individuals make informed choices. The campaign envisions that not just women, their partners, health care providers, and other key individuals must have as much awareness that they can about contraception.
Many people need to change the kind of contraception that they are using for a variety of reasons, which is why they must know about the different kinds of options available. Moreover, it helps promote the concept of autonomy of a person over their body.
It also helps individuals avoid sexually transmitted infections.
Access to contraceptives, moreover, has allowed individuals to make planned pregnancies with space, and avoid unwanted ones. This has proven to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rate. With more autonomy, it helps individuals participate more freely in the public domain in education and employment, and uplift their status.
Awareness of contraception is also extremely important for young adults. According to studies, it is also important for women in the twelve months right after they give birth. According to the WHO, almost 95% women want to avoid pregnancy within 24 months of childbirth. However, of these, almost 70% do not have access to contraception.
In a country like India, the day assumes even more importance as contraception is key for population control, a problem plaguing the nation for quite some time now. As better contraception leads to better family planning, this also helps many families lift themselves out of poverty.
