ABSTRACT
Access to safe and eective methods of contraception is seen by many to be a basic human right. Contraception plays an important role in improving women’s health (by reducing the risks that would otherwise accompany unwanted births), as well as the social and nancial situation of women and their families. However, despite a steady increase in contraceptive use worldwide over the past few decades, the World Health Organization says there is still a signicant unmet need for birth control. Very many women worldwide, probably around 123 million, would like to limit the number of children that they might have but, despite this, they are not using contraception. ere are probably many factors responsible for this unmet need, including the availability of health services, a woman’s level of education, her social and nancial situation, and cultural factors.
