Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

India is committed to achieving the goals of FP2020, which, besides substantially increasing new contraceptive users, also demands adopting a rights-based approach and ensuring easy access, choice, and good quality services. The contraceptive method mix in India has been dominated by female sterilization for a long time. No new contraceptive method has been added to the national family welfare program for decades. Use of injectable contraceptives was approved in 1994 in the private sector, but is still not part of the national program. Recently some initiatives have been taken to make Depo Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) available through the public sector in some parts of the country. This project brief describes a study undertaken to document the initiatives taken to provide DMPA through public health facilities. Two such initiatives took place in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The study shows that acceptability of DMPA has remained strong despite many women’s reporting of side effects, and indicates that DMPA can be introduced safely in the public sector. Most stakeholders, doctors, and paramedics feel that DMPA should be included in the national family welfare program.

DOI

10.31899/rh9.1076

Language

English

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