Family Planning Report reveals

78% of pregnancies unintended

The primary reason for unsafe abortions in India is unplanned pregnancies. According to Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), 78% of the pregnancies in India are unintended and at least 25% are unwanted. Addressing a group of media persons on Thursday, members from FOGSI & Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) affirmed their support for the cause of Emergency contraception by emphasizing the need to generate awareness about this category with the sole objective of reducing the number of unintended pregnancy in India. Considering the level of awareness about Emergency Contraception being abysmally low – with only one out of 100 women being aware about it, FOGSI & FPAI stressed the need to educate women about the beneficial aspect and advocate its usage.

Elucidating the role of FOGSI, Dr. Hema Divakar, Chairperson, FOGSI Perinatology Committee explained, “In India, awareness about Emergency Contraception is low and at FOGSI, our aim has always been to impart the right source of information not only about emergency contraception but also publicize the available methods of contraception through meetings, workshops and group discussions. Use of Emergency Contraception coupled with adequate counseling non only enables woman to prevent unintended pregnancy but may probably give her a ‘second chance’ to choose a contraceptive method.”

Emergency Contraception refers to the prevention of pregnancy after an unprotected act of sexual intercourse. Use of Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy by over 80% if taken as quickly as possible, and not later than 72 hours. This method is however not a substitute for regular contraception and should be used in cases of emergency only.

“It is high time we broaden our frame of mind and realize that risk of pregnancy and induced abortion is greater than the risk of using emergency contraception. We should clearly emphasize that Emergency Contraception is meant for only an emergency situation and cannot replace regular family planning methods. Utmost care should be taken to give detailed information to women regarding the need for Emergency Contraception and when and how to take it,” said Dr. Rekha Gogi, Medical Officer, FPAI, Bangalore.

It is estimated that in India alone 6-7 million abortions take place each year. A majority of these are performed by providers outside registered and government recognized institutions, often by untrained persons working in unhygienic conditions. Use of such unsafe alternative poses tremendous risks to women. About 13% of maternal deaths in India result from unsafe abortions. Studies suggest that this number may be as much as 80,000 per year. Emergency contraception is, in a crisis, one of the most reliable methods of preventing unintended pregnancy.

The Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India was formed in 1936 when the Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of Bombay, Madras, Bengal, Ahmedabad and Punjab resolved to amalgamate themselves into the Federation. Its basic aim is to impart education in supporting and protecting the character the status and interest of the practitioners of Obstetrics and Gynecology in India. The Federation has 192 societies with 21261 members spread over the length and breadth of this vast country.

Established in 1949, The Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) has been recognized as India’s leading and largest reproductive and sexual health organization. It provides information on sexuality education and family life and a wide range of services in sexual and reproductive health including family planning, bringing health and happiness to millions. FPA India works closely with NGOs and the Government.