Policy barriers to injectable contraceptives in India

In 1951, India became the first country in the developing world to adopt a state-sponsored family planning program. For over 60 years, sterilization has been the predominant form of modern contraceptive use. India's current National Population Policy highlights the importance of expanding voluntary family planning choices, yet injectable contraceptives are not offered via the governmental program. Limiting access to this contraceptive method through the public sectors results in an inequity in reproductive health services. While women with sufficient economic resources can access this method via the private sector, economically marginalized women in India have limited contraceptive options. Understanding the reasons why different stakeholder groups support or oppose the inclusion of injectable contraceptives in the Indian Government's national family planning program is critical in the development of effective family planning programs and policies. This research explores the roles that different stakeholder groups play in influencing Indian national policy on injectable contraceptives. Study results will come from integrating in-depth interviews with study participants and content analysis. Several stakeholder groups are included: (1) international non-governmental organizations; (2) Indian non-governmental organizations; and (3) the Indian government. Such information will likely be useful beyond the scope of family planning, extending to broader reproductive health services and policies in India.