WHO Highlights Role of Contraceptive Use in Empowering Women & Improving Health
SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being | SDG 5: Gender Equality
Institutions: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare | Ministry of Women & Child Development
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new evidence brief (in collaboration with the UN’s HRP) underlining that modern contraceptive use not only drives better health outcomes but also strengthens women’s agency, education, and economic participation. Key findings include:
Women using contraception are 30% less likely to face high-risk pregnancies, with lower maternal morbidity and mortality.
Use of hormonal contraceptives is linked to reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers (36% and 44% reductions respectively) compared to non-users, while noting a modest increase in cervical cancer risk, which can be offset by HPV vaccination.
Contraceptive use is associated with fewer menstrual symptoms (pain, abnormal bleeding), thus reducing absenteeism in work/education.
Importantly, evidence from systematic reviews shows that better access to contraception improves women’s decision-making power, resource control, and labour market participation. For adolescents, contraceptive access combined with empowerment programmes cut teenage pregnancy rates by over 50%.
This brief reinforces that family planning is not solely health policy, but a lever for gender equality, social development and economic inclusion. For India, strengthening access to modern contraception in underserved areas can advance women’s education, labour force participation, and help address demographic challenges. Aligning with National Health Mission, National Family Planning Programme, and gender empowerment schemes, this evidence can bolster political will and resource allocation.
Follow the full report here: WHO – Contraceptive Use Evidence Brief