UNFPA: Family planning a right

FAMILY planning is a right that remains out of reach for 222 million women around the world, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says.
Fund executive director Dr Babatunde Osotimehim, who visited the country last week to launch the state of the world population report, said because it was a right, everyone who wanted access to it must “have access to it”.
“Family planning is one of the most crucial investments that we can make in health, women’s rights and in the life trajectories of young people,” he said.
“With age-appropriate sexuality education and access to contraception, the young can truly plan for schooling, work and childbearing on their terms.
“However, despite promises, resolutions and conventions that affirm the value of family planning, it remains out of reach for a staggering 222 million women in the developing countries.
“There are many factors that contribute to this gap – limited availability of services, cost, and a host of conditions in the lives of women and men that prevent them from accessing sexual and reproductive health services.
“These barriers are limiting their rights to access family planning.”
The work of the UNFPA involves promotion of the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.
He said if left unchallenged, the lack of family planning perpetuated poverty and gender inequality and could lead to population pressures in poor countries struggling to meet basic human needs.