Did you know 64.6% of South African women between 15 and 49 years use some method of contraception?
While this figure may seem high, there’s still a significant information gap about contraception and how women can use it to empower themselves socially and economically
World Contraception Day, which takes place every year on 26 September, aims to do just that—highlight women’s right to make informed decisions on their sexual and reproductive health and to improve awareness of contraception safety and options.
“Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of stigma about contraception, which means many women are not comfortable or empowered to take control of their reproductive decisions and health,” said Dr Abofele Khoele, Managing Director, of Organon South Africa, a global healthcare company committed to educating and raising awareness on contraception, so that women can make informed choices to enhance their health and potential. “At the end of the day, the best contraception method is one that a woman will use correctly and consistently,” Khoele added.
Thanks to advances in medical science, women have so many options to choose from, from long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC’s) to short-acting methods. All have their benefits. “We want to educate and empower all women to find the best solution for their health, lifestyle, career, and family planning,” Khoele added.
Let’s use World Contraception Day to ignite an honest and open conversation and empower women of all ages to decide whether or when they would like to start a family. “Choosing the best contraception method does not need to be overwhelming. Visit idecide and talk to a health care professional about your needs now and your future hopes and goals and get the right information so you can make informed decisions,” Khoele added.
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