Expert Links Contraception To Safer Motherhood, Fewer Deaths

A consultant gynaecologist at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, has said contraception, widely known as family planning, can lead to safer motherhood and fewer deaths.

According to her, contraception is more than a tool to prevent pregnancy, as it is a life-saving intervention that can improve maternal and child health, reduce unsafe abortions, and ease financial burdens on families.

In an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER, Dr Garba said that family planning allows couples to determine when and how often to have children, thereby reducing unintended pregnancies and ensuring healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.

With a decade of experience in maternal and child health, representative health, and maternal and foetal morbidity, the experts explained how effective use of contraception reduces the rate of maternal death among women of reproductive age.

“Every woman who dies of pregnancy-related complications must first be pregnant. Contraception prevents pregnancy in the first place, making it one of the easiest and most effective ways of reducing maternal mortality.”

According to her, contraceptives can be classified into traditional and modern methods.

“Traditional methods such as withdrawal and calendar calculations remain in use but are unreliable. In contrast, modern methods offer a range of options, from short-acting to long-acting and even permanent solutions.”

“Short-acting methods include condoms, diaphragms, oral contraceptives, and injectables that require daily or monthly administration.”

“Long-acting options include implants such as Implanon and Jadelle, which last up to five years, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), both hormonal and non-hormonal, which can provide protection for four to five years.”

She added that sterilisation procedures, such as tubal ligation in women or vasectomy in men, are available for those seeking permanent solutions.

She said that emergency contraceptives are also crucial for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex, particularly in cases of rape.

Beyond preventing pregnancy, Dr Garba explained that contraception carries wide-ranging health and social benefits: “For mothers, family planning improves nutrition and recovery after childbirth. A woman needs at least two years before her next pregnancy to allow her body to return to normal.”

She further highlighted its importance for adolescents, stating that contraception reduces unintended pregnancies and the risk of unsafe abortions, which remain a significant threat to young women’s health.

On the child’s side, spacing births improves survival rates and nutrition. “Babies born less than two years after an older sibling are more likely to suffer malnutrition because they are denied adequate breastfeeding and care.

“With proper spacing, children are healthier and mothers are better able to provide for their education and wellbeing,” Dr Garba explained.

Family planning, she argued, also strengthens households and communities by reducing economic strain. Smaller, well-spaced families ease financial burdens and enable women to pursue education and careers, contributing to gender equity and national development.

“Contraception is not just about preventing pregnancy. It empowers women, reduces maternal deaths, improves child survival, and ultimately contributes to a healthier, more educated society.”