Contraceptive Choices: How is It Affecting Sexual and Reproductive Lives of Young Adults In India?

Usha Ram, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Shreeparna Ghosh, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Early onset of sexual activity (largely within marriage) and desperate demand to have child immediately after marriage, promoting contraception is single most important intervention to promote healthy reproductive lives of young adults and is likely to yield unmatched dividend in India where prevailing socio-cultural-politico settings limit access to or promotion of contraception among them. In past 15 years, modern spacing methods use has doubled, sterilization at early stage of life seem to have stagnated. However, there has been tremendous increase in the reliance on traditional methods (periodic abstinence and withdrawal) as well, especially in a few states. The rise in traditional methods use is an indication of increased demand and need for making program socially accessible to young adults. The present paper explores contraceptive use dynamics among young adults in India Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over time and its association with sexual and reproductive health outcomes.