Family Planning believes that everyone has the right to effective contraception.
Contraception helps prevent pregnancy. There are many types of contraception including the oral contraceptive pill (the pill), implants, injections, intra uterine devices (IUDs), condoms, emergency contraception and sterilisation (vasectomy or having “tubes tied”).
Many people use contraception for a large portion of their life. When modern methods of contraception first became available – specifically the pill in the 1960s – it was considered life-changing, especially for women, who had greater choice about whether and when to have a child. Contraception has helped women have greater equality in society.
New Zealand has high rates of unintended pregnancy. Research shows that not all people are able to get the contraception they want. There are many barriers to getting contraception including cost, the location of services, discomfort talking about contraception, lack of information and understanding about contraception and options, misinformation from unreliable sources, and poor coordination between services. People who experience violence or abuse may not have access to or control of contraception.
People get contraception from a range of health care providers including specialist primary care sexual and reproductive health services like Family Planning, other primary health care and school health services. Not all doctors and nurses have the training to get patients the contraception that works best for them. For example, not all doctors and nurses are trained to put in an IUD, so sometimes people need to visit another doctor or nurse to get one. This can create barriers.
Family Planning believes that contraception is basic health care and should be affordable and easy to get.
We support training and development for doctors and nurses so people can easily get the type of contraception that works best for them. People should not feel judged or uncomfortable talking about contraception. We support improved education and health literacy so people have the knowledge and understanding to make an informed choice about contraception.
MORE INFORMATION
Family Planning has clinics located throughout New Zealand. Use the clinic finder to find your nearest clinic.
