PBS News recently covered a story about the factors that influence family planning in Guatemala. Religious opposition, gender inequality (machismo), limited access to contraceptives and other family planning services and education make it difficult for women to take control of their reproductivity. This video highlights these issues along with the negative effects of not being able to plan families such as poor maternal health, maternal deaths, child malnutrition and decreased overall health and stability. Family Planning organizations recognize that this is an issue deeply ingrained within some communities and is therefore important to start teaching youth about sexual and reproductive health early so that they are comfortable with the topic. There is still a long way to go, but Evelyn (a family planning educator with WINGS) provides hope as she travels to rural areas to speak with women about these issues.
What can we be doing to make family planning education and services more readily available to communities like these?
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