Despite significant advances, family planning options are often still inadequate or non-existent. Thus, in certain regions, it results in high rates of child and maternal mortality and unwanted pregnancies. Worldwide, approximately 220 million women do not have access to modern contraceptive options, despite their wish to practice birth control. As a result, more than 80 million unwanted pregnancies occur each year, 40 million of which end in abortion.
Faultily performed abortions remain one of the main causes of maternal mortality. In developing countries, an estimated 47,000 women die every year as a result of such abortions. Sex outside of marriage is a taboo subject in many regions. Thus, young people lack access to birth control and contraceptives. There is a huge but still widely unmet demand.
Improved access to information about birth control and contraceptives has a positive effect on the health and opportunities for development for everyone in a society. It leads to better health, to higher incomes, to a reduction in poverty, and it creates more gender equity. The necessary processes of change in society are complex and in particular require the participation of men and boys as jointly responsible partners.
IAMANEH Switzerland is committed to ensure a comprehensive range of family planning and sex education options to women, men and adolescents, so they can exercise freedom of choice while being protected against unplanned pregnancies and communicable diseases.
