Global organization MSI Reproductive Choices, Ghana, has amplified the importance of accessible contraceptive services for adolescents, emphasizing how access to these services can shape their future by allowing them to take control of their lives.

The organization, to mark World Contraception Day, which falls today, Thursday, September 26, 2024, noted that currently, 257 million women and girls globally are unable to access contraception despite wanting it, with Ghana’s unmet need for family planning estimated at 23 percent.

It noted that a lack of contraceptive access can have profound, life-altering effects, forcing young women to drop out of school, abandon career aspirations, or give up on their dreams.

MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana Country Director, George Akanlu, said: “Access to contraception is vital. It saves lives. By preventing unwanted pregnancies, we can ensure that a new generation of young women is able to take control of their own destiny and plan a life for themselves that they are proud of and that is completely their own.”

In Ghana, various barriers—including cost, misinformation, and social stigma—prevent many women from accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare. For many young women, contraception is the key to staying on track with their life goals.

Abena, a client of MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana who has used contraception to plan her future, shared her story. About a year and a half ago, Abena visited MSI Ghana to explore her options and chose to use the contraceptive injection. Since then, she has returned every three months, with the intention of becoming pregnant only when she feels financially ready. With her and her partner facing financial instability, contraception has allowed Abena to avoid unplanned pregnancies and focus on building a stable future.

Citing a friend who had to leave school due to pregnancy, Abena highlighted the importance of protection. She expressed her determination to establish financial security before starting a family, as this would allow her to pursue her dream career in fashion, where she hopes to style and sell her own clothing line.

Thus, to empower young people like Abena to determine their own futures, MSI Ghana is urging the government to make contraception more accessible. The organization believes that improving access to these services is crucial to achieving gender equality in the country.

“We must keep pushing for easy access to these essential healthcare services – no matter where you live. And we will not stop until we have achieved that,” Mr. Akanlu emphasized.

He further emphasized the importance of continuing the momentum of this year’s Family Planning Week theme, "Family Planning: Empowering Individuals for Choice," calling on leaders to ensure that family planning becomes a reality for all.

MSI Reproductive Choices is a global organization providing contraception and safe abortion services to women and girls. Operating in 36 countries, its teams work passionately in local communities to drive progress on reproductive healthcare.