The Use of Contraceptives in Nigeria: Benefits, Challenges and Probable Solutions

Abstract

This work examines the decision-making processes among couples, and explained the benefit, challenges and probable solutions to the use of contraception in Nigeria. This work is predicated on the premise that contraceptive decision-making is a complex process that involves an array of factors and structural forces that operate and intersect at different levels to influence decision-making on one hand and the dearth of legal framework to regulate the proper and correct use of contraceptives in Nigerian Reproductive Health Law on the other hand. The use of doctrinal research was employed by sourcing materials from internet, journals, and textbooks as well as statutory laws. This paper found that making informed choices on the methods of contraception posed a huge challenge which is a direct consequence of lack of quality contraceptive services or sufficient access to health facilities, misinformation and a dire absence of knowledge in some instances. This paper concluded that in order to make improvements to women’s reproductive lives, the society should have health awareness on the use of contraceptives and its benefits and promulgate a robust, comprehensive and specific regulation for the controlled use of contraceptives in Nigeria.

Keywords: Contraceptives, Benefits, Prospects, Challenges, Solutions, Reproductive Health, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/86-09

Publication date:June 30^th 2019