A Guttmacher Institute study has found that women’s ability to use contraceptives and determine when and whether to have children improves their chances for higher education and employment. As a result, their income, family stability, mental health, and happiness are improved, as well as their children’s well-being.
The Guttmacher experts reviewed 66 studies conducted over the past 30 years and concluded that contraception would cause the following effects:
- Educational attainment: The legal availability of contraception contributed significantly to the number of young women enrolling in college and pursuing advanced degrees.
- Economic stability and workforce participation: The availability of contraception has allowed more young women to enter the labor force and has significantly contributed to increasing women’s earning power and decreasing the gender pay gap.
This reinforces a recent recommendation by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that, in order to promote growth, governments should work to further narrow the “gender gap” that continues to hold women back in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. According to OECD findings released in December 2012, women continue to earn less than men. According to the OECD, closing the gender gap must be a key component of any strategy for creating more sustainable economies and inclusive societies.
- Stability and formation of the union: The use of contraception has spurred a trend towards later marriage, helping women and men find stable, economically attractive partners. Relationships are more likely to dissolve after an unplanned pregnancy or birth than after a planned one.
- Mental health and happiness: Women and men who are unintended pregnant and who have unplanned childbirth are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and lower levels of happiness than those who are not.
- Children’s well-being: When a child is born unexpectedly, individuals are particularly likely to be unprepared for parenthood and to have a poor relationship with their child.
A review released on Thursday shows that not all women have shared equally in the economic and social benefits of contraception. Therefore, decision should be made to promote contraceptive access and assist all women who decide to become mothers in reaching their life goals. Consequently, preventing unintended and teen pregnancy must remain a top priority for national development strategies, in addition to financial assistance, nutrition assistance, child care, and family violence prevention.
The pill is an effective way to prevent pregnancy.
When used correctly, the birth control pill provides you with excellent protection against pregnancy.
Keep up with your daily pill schedule and start the new packs on time – that’s all you have to do. This works much better if you take your pills on time, but not if you miss or forget them. Keep track of your pills with our birth control reminder app.
As an extra measure of protection against pregnancy, large condoms can be used in conjunction with birth control pills. Additionally, condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.