UNFPA Releases “State of World Population Report 2021”

What is the News?

The United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) has released its flagship report “State of World Population Report 2021” titled ‘My Body is My Own’.

About State of World Population Report 2021:

• The State of World Population is an annual report. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) publishes it.
• The focus of the Report: Bodily autonomy is the first time the focus of the report. Bodily autonomy defined as the power and agency to make choices about your body without fear of violence or having someone else decide for you.
• Examples of Violation of Bodily Autonomy: Some examples of violation of bodily autonomy include:
  • child marriage
  • female genital mutilation
  • lack of contraceptive choices leading to unplanned pregnancy,
  • unwanted sex exchanged for a home and food
  • when people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities cannot walk down a street without fear of assault or humiliation.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Nearly half the women from 57 developing countries do not have the right to make decisions regarding their bodies. Decisions including using contraception, seeking healthcare, or even on their sexuality.
• Choices over Health Care: Only 55% of women are fully empowered to make choices over health care, contraception, and the ability to say yes or no to sex.
• Maternity Care: Only 71% of countries guarantee access to overall maternity care
• Access to Contraception: Only 75% of countries legally ensure full, equal access to contraception.
• Sexual health: Only about 80% of countries have laws supporting sexual health and well-being.
• Sexuality Education: Only about 56% of countries have laws and policies supporting comprehensive sexuality education.

India’s National Family Health Survey(NFHS) Report: According to NFHS-4 Report(2015-2016):

• Decisions on Healthcare: Only about 12% of currently married women (15-49 years of age) independently make decisions about their own healthcare. While 63% decide in consultation with their spouse.
  • For a quarter of women (23%), it is the spouse that mainly takes decisions about healthcare.
• Use of Contraception: Only 8% of currently married women (15-49 years) take decisions on the use of contraception independently. While 83% decide jointly with their spouse.
• Information on Contraception: There is limited information provided to women about the use of contraception. Only 47% of women who use a contraceptive were informed about the side effects of the method. Further, only 54% of women were provided information about other contraceptives.

About United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA):

• UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. It aims to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
• Headquarters: New York, United States.

 Source: The Hindu