British Medical Bulletin 49:200-209 (1993)
© 1993 The British Council
research-article |
Political and economic factors influencing contraceptive uptake
International Planned Parenthood Federation, Regent's College London, UK
Abstract
International, national and local level politics influence the uptake of contraception through consensuses, laws, financial and moral support or the creation of an enabling atmosphere. Opposition to contraception generally comes from some churches and groups opposed to particular technologies. Socio-economic factors, particularly education, the health care system and the perceived or actual cost of fertility regulation as compared to benefits expected from children also powerfully influence contraceptive use. For many poor women in developing countries their powerlessness in relation to their male partners is an important obstacle.