TCI Tasks Media On Dispelling Myths, Misconceptions On Family Planning

–Says Family Planning Saves Lives, Reduces Maternal Mortality

As part of the strategy to dispel numerous myths, misconceptions and disinformation on the use of family planning products and services, Osun State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs. Ololade Margaret Abatan, has urged journalists and media practitioners to consistently provide the right information needed to prompt improved uptake of services.

Abatan said the media needed to deliberately discharge the responsibility to disseminate consistent and correct information about family planning which may result in behavioural change among clients, prompting more uptake of products and services.

Speaking at a media roundtable organized by The Challenge Initiative Nigeria (TCI), held in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the Osun State Family Planning Coordinator said family planning is crucial for women with health risks, as it limits pregnancies and allows for adequate recovery time between births.

She identified family planning as a critical lifesaving strategy, significantly reducing maternal mortality and improving reproductive health outcomes.

She enumerated the life-saving aspects of family planning, such as preventing high-risk pregnancies, ensuring proper birth spacing, and reducing the likelihood of unsafe abortions. These measures, according to her, contribute significantly to improving maternal health outcomes and fostering healthier communities.

Abatan, who spoke on the topic, “Debunking Myths: Addressing Clients’ Misconceptions in Family Planning,” identified some pervasive myths surrounding family planning, including the belief that contraceptives cause infertility, condoms reduce pleasure, IUDs are only for women with multiple children, vasectomy affects libido, and hormonal contraceptives are only for women who have had children.

She said these misconceptions, fueled by cultural and societal norms, often deter individuals from seeking modern family planning methods.

The family planning expert, however, stressed that modern contraceptives are safe and effective, allowing women to plan their families without compromising their health.

“Proper condom use ensures safety without affecting pleasure, IUDs are suitable for all women regardless of childbearing history, vasectomy has no effect on a man’s sex drive, and hormonal contraceptives are safe for all women of reproductive age,” she explained.

Abatan emphasized the importance of family planning service providers possessing good counseling skills, providing accurate information, being supportive and friendly with clients, and offering health counseling sessions on the benefits of contraception to individuals, families, and clients.

By debunking myths and promoting informed decision-making, Abatan said the media plays a vital role in this effort.

“Media platforms can educate the public through expert interviews, documentaries, and educational content, consistently raising awareness about the benefits of family planning and amplifying success stories.”

The Demand Generation Specialist for The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in Osun State, Mr. Funsho Daniel, also emphasized the crucial role of the media in promoting family planning programs, stressing the need to correct misconceptions about family planning in the state.

“Our task is to develop strategies for promoting family planning programs in Osun State through the media. It is expected that we combine art and science — the creative and artistic vision needed to move audiences and inspire them to change,” Daniel told the media advocates.