Country Context: India
Although India became the world's first nation to launch a family planning programme in 1951, there are several sexual and reproductive health concerns in the country which need to be addressed in order to improve the status of people's health, and that of women in particular. These challenges and their contributing factors are highlighted below.
The taboo culture around sex and contraception
Firstly, from its provenance, the concept of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) remains largely undiscussed due to the taboo culture associated with topics like sex and sexuality. Lack of comprehensive sexual education, inaccessibility and lack of knowledge around contraceptives, and other culminating unhealthy sexual practices have all resulted in the larger reproductive health crisis that plagues the country today.
Unmet need for family planning
In this context, the National Family Health Survey III reports that nearly 21% of pregnancies in the country are either mistimed or unwanted. Further, the rate for total wanted fertility in urban areas remains lower in comparison to rural areas despite the total number of pregnancies being higher in the latter. This indicates a high unmet need for family planning in the country.
Gender-based violence and discrimination
Additionally, the number of unintended pregnancies amongst women under the age of 20 remains high.
Intersectional marginalizations and gender-based violence - including forced and child marriages and sexual assaults - leave young Indian women particularly vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies. Yet, the stigma attached to sex, the shame associated with the rape victims as well as the strict legal and cultural barriers for alternatives to pregnancy limit such issues from entering the public discourse.
High maternal mortality and disabilities
Such factors have contributed to unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality as well as child mortality in the country. As per the World Bank, the maternal mortality ratio sits at 145 per 100,000 live births (2017) and 50% of maternal deaths among young women occur due to unsafe abortion practices. Herein, World Bank once again highlights inequalities in access to quality health services and the gap between the rich and poor as a significant factor contributing to these numbers. In the case of adolescent girls, complications in pregnancy and childbirth due to the girls' own developing bodies are highlighted.
Better access to sexual and reproductive resources is key
Looking at these patterns, it is important to recognize that access to safe and affordable sexual and reproductive healthcare knowledge and resources is the key in protecting women's health and promoting their sexual and reproductive rights. In this, there remains a significant need for cultural barriers surrounding the topics such of sex and unintended pregnancies to be broken down.
Amirrah in India
Amirrah's efforts in India are primarily focused around disseminating information and making alternative/unorthodox pregnancy practices more accessible and affordable for local populations. We look to partner with other, like-minded organizations and government institutions to foster the kind of change needed to accelerate women's sexual and reproductive health in regions across the country with our main operational location based out of New Delhi.