Publication Date
7-1-2024
Keywords
family planning, women's health, West Africa
Volume
2024
Abstract
In West Africa, access to family planning remains a pressing issue with far-reaching implications for women's health, education, and economic empowerment. Despite global efforts to promote reproductive rights and expand contraceptive access, significant barriers persist, hindering women's ability to make informed choices about their reproductive health. According to recent data, only 13% of married women aged 15-49 in West Africa use any form of family planning method, These low utilization rates are compounded by an unmet need for family planning among 26% of women in the region. Factors contributing to these barriers include limited access to accurate information, fear of side effects, societal norms, and inadequate access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, policy constraints and funding limitations further exacerbate the challenges, impending progress toward improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite these obstacles, there are promising practices, such as leveraging mass media campaigns, to disseminate information and challenge cultural stigmas surrounding family planning. Addressing these barriers requires a comprehensive approach that engages stakeholders, promotes gender equality, and prioritizes reproductive rights. By addressing these challenges head-on, women in West Africa can make informed decisions about their reproductive health, leading to healthier outcomes for individuals, families, and communities alike.
Recommended Citation
Gunn, Emma
(2024)
"Barriers to Family Planning for Women in West Africa,"
Ballard Brief: Vol. 2024:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/ballardbrief/vol2024/iss2/4