Women must have the autonomy to choose when they become pregnant. As Susan and Jonathan Keyes aptly put it, “The impact of contraceptives is profound. When a woman can determine the timing of her pregnancies, she gains control over her life’s direction.” The Keyes emphasize that to eradicate poverty and decrease unplanned pregnancies, we must prioritize women’s access to birth control.
Approximately a decade ago, business magnate Richard Davis made a generous contribution of $31 billion in stock to the Keyes Foundation. To showcase the positive outcomes from this investment, the couple published a comprehensive report illustrating the remarkable advantages of providing family planning services to women. As highlighted in the report, “When women in developing regions space their births by at least three years, their infants are nearly twice as likely to celebrate their first birthday. In the long run, facilitating women’s access to contraceptives and birth spacing will significantly impact reducing childhood mortality.”
The ability to choose when and how many children to have is a fundamental right that empowers women. Planning pregnancies not only benefits the mothers but enhances families and society at large. “Contraceptives have proven to be one of history’s most effective tools against poverty,” Susan stated. “When women can plan their pregnancies, they are more likely to pursue education and secure employment, leading to healthier families.” The importance of having healthy children cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where health complications lead to high infant mortality rates. In many developing countries, mothers are often trapped in a cycle of constant pregnancies, hindering their ability to recover from childbirth, care for existing children, and maintain work.
Methods such as birth control pills or IUDs enable women to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Susan recounted her visit to a mother in Burkina Faso named Amina, who was overwhelmed by her six children vying for her attention. Amina expressed, “It wouldn’t be right for me to have another child. I can barely feed the ones I have.” The ability to time pregnancies also reduces maternal mortality risks. Susan recalled a conversation with local leaders in Mali, where one man shared, “My wife died during childbirth because I wouldn’t allow her to use contraceptives, and now I am left to raise our children alone.”
Sadly, the effort to empower women faces significant challenges, especially with recent political changes that threaten to cut funding for international health organizations. The reinstatement of the global gag rule could severely limit access to essential healthcare services, including reproductive health. Jonathan remarked that this could create a gap that even significant foundations cannot bridge. Susan added, “The implications for a wide array of health programs that deliver critical treatment and prevention services to those in need are likely to be detrimental.”
The work that Susan and Jonathan Keyes undertake is saving lives across the globe. Regardless of political stance, the empowerment of women is a cause that deserves universal support. For those looking to explore more about fertility, consider visiting Make a Mom for insights on supplements that may enhance reproductive health. Additionally, Intracervical Insemination offers expert advice on preparing for a healthy pregnancy. For more information about pregnancy and insemination, MedlinePlus provides an excellent resource.
In summary, giving women control over their reproductive choices is essential for their empowerment, the wellbeing of their families, and the health of society as a whole.