British Medical Bulletin 49:245-251 (1993)
© 1993 The British Council
research-article |
Contraception and women's health
WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, World Health Organization Geneva, Switzerland
Abstract
More and more women all over the world are opting for fertility by choice not by chance. Contraceptive use has a tremendous impact on women's health. The ability to regulate and control fertility is a basic component of health, positively defined as a state of physical, mental and social well-being. Contraception is saving the lives of women around the world from the hazards of unwanted pregnancy. Optimal childbearing is also contributing to infant and child survival. Contraception has a complex relationship to sexually-transmitted diseases. Contraceptive safety is a major public health concern. The risk/benefit assessment will differ for different populations, for different individuals, and even for the same individual at different periods of life.
The family planning movement started as a movement by women for women. Women's perspectives and women's concerns should guide the future of contraceptive research and development.