The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has hailed the growing use of modern contraceptives as a major global health achievement, enabling millions of young people to avoid unintended pregnancies and exercise control over their futures. However, the agency cautioned that for many women and girls, the basic human right to choose whether or not to have children remains out of reach.
UNFPA stressed that limited access to contraception leads to severe consequences, including a surge in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths. Beyond health impacts, the lack of family planning contributes to adolescent pregnancies, higher school dropout rates, and an increased risk of gender-based violence. “Contraceptives save lives,” said UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita, adding that family planning also delivers huge economic gains, with every dollar spent meeting unmet contraceptive needs generating an estimated $27 in economic benefits.
To dispel misinformation, UNFPA addressed several common myths surrounding contraception. The agency reaffirmed that modern contraceptives are safe, extensively researched, and more effective than natural methods. They do not cause abortion or infertility, though some hormonal options may temporarily delay menstruation. UNFPA also warned against misinformation promoted on social media, emphasizing that natural or cycle-tracking methods are far less reliable in preventing pregnancy.
Finally, UNFPA underscored that contraception is a matter of personal choice and human rights. Everyone has the right to decide freely and responsibly whether or not to become pregnant, regardless of marital status or partner approval. The agency emphasized that pressuring someone into unprotected sex constitutes reproductive coercion and abuse, highlighting the urgent need to protect bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom for all.
