Use of contraception is growing fastest in Africa, with 24% of women of reproductive age now using modern methods. This is according to the Family Planning 2020’s report.
Family Planning 2020 studied the world’s 69 lowest income countries and found the same trend that “more women and girls than ever before are making the voluntary choice to use contraception in their everyday lives”.
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These countries beyond the African continent include those in the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, Eastern, Central, Southern, Southeastern Asia and the Caribbean.
The report shows that 317 million women and girls are now choosing to use a modern method of contraception, an increase of 46 million from 2012.
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The modern contraceptives increasingly being used include male and female sterilisation, IUD (Intrauterine device), implants, injections, pills, condoms, LAM (lactational amenorrhea method - breastfeeding), and other modern methods like diaphragm, foam, jelly, emergency contraception and Standard Days Method.
The organisation notes that better family planning can actually break the cycle of poverty and drive new economic growth.
“Family planning empowers women, and empowered women are economic dynamos: joining the labour force, starting their own businesses, and investing in their communities. This sparks a ripple effect that generates vast benefits across society, driving productivity, prosperity, and sustainability,” says Executive Director of Family Planning 2020, Beth Schlachter.
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See the impact of access to modern methods of contraception in the infographic below:
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