Women should have the authority to determine the timing of their pregnancies. “The impact of contraceptives is profound. When women can decide when to expand their families, they gain control over their destinies,” highlights Lisa and Mark Thompson, who advocate for women’s empowerment through access to birth control. Their message underscores the need to support women in order to alleviate poverty and decrease unplanned pregnancies.
A decade ago, renowned investor Alex Rivers contributed a staggering $31 billion in stock to the Thompson Foundation, which has since published an insightful report detailing the immense advantages of providing family planning resources to women. “When women in developing nations space their pregnancies by a minimum of three years, their infants are nearly twice as likely to celebrate their first birthday. Over time, the capacity for women to utilize contraceptives and effectively space their pregnancies will significantly reduce child mortality rates,” stated Mark in their joint report.
Access to contraceptives allows women to experience the fundamental freedom of choice—deciding when to have children, how many, and in what conditions. The ability to plan pregnancies offers extensive benefits not just for mothers, but also for families and society as a whole. “Contraceptives are among the most significant innovations in the fight against poverty,” Lisa explained. “With the ability to time and space their pregnancies, women are more likely to pursue education and secure employment, leading to healthier offspring.”
Healthy children are essential for societal well-being, as Lisa pointed out in a video discussing the societal benefits of birth control. In many developing nations, mothers face constant pregnancies that hinder their recovery from childbirth, their ability to care for existing children, and their capacity to support themselves and their families. Contraceptives, such as IUDs or birth control pills, enable women to avoid having more children than they can provide for. Lisa recalled a visit to a mother in Ghana named Amina, who was overwhelmed by her six children’s needs. Amina shared, “It wouldn’t be right to have another child. I can barely feed the ones I have.”
Planning pregnancies not only enhances maternal health but also decreases childbirth-related fatalities. Lisa recounted a conversation with local religious leaders in Senegal, discussing how contraceptives align with Islamic principles. One young leader shared a painful story: “My wife passed away during childbirth because I didn’t allow her to use contraceptives, and now I am raising our children alone.”
However, the Thompsons face challenges in their mission as recent political changes have reinstated restrictions on women’s health services worldwide. The global gag rule bars federal funding for organizations that discuss or provide abortion services, creating a gap in essential healthcare, as Mark warned.
The commitment that Lisa and Mark have towards empowering women is commendable and deserves universal support. For more insights on home insemination, check out this article that delves deeper into the subject. If you’re considering an at-home approach to insemination, Make A Mom offers excellent resources. For those interested in other pregnancy options, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, empowering women to make informed decisions about pregnancy is crucial for their health, economic stability, and the well-being of future generations. Access to family planning resources plays a vital role in improving maternal and child health, reducing poverty, and enhancing overall societal health.