CONTRACEPTION: Religious Belief or Cultural Tenet?

 

The use of contraceptives has religious, cultural, and traditional norms attached to it in west African countries,  particularly in the Gambia. Youth of all genders within the ages of 18 and below are always stereotyped by the society anytime they are seen with contraceptives.

These norms limit the usage of contraceptives, even though people use it for different purposes.

Contraception is the deliberate use of artificial method or other techniques to prevent pregnancy as a consequence of sexual inter course, but along the line it comes with several health implications if misused or abused.

Dr.Awa Jah, a Gambian obstetrician gynecologist, says the WHO medical eligibility criteria, states, every woman should under go consultation to ascertain any medical complications before taking any form contraception.

“Like any other drug, contraceptives have side effects. It is important for every contraceptive user to seek medical assistance in order to avoid health complications.”

Contraceptives are not limited to pills only, but there are various types such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, shots, vaginal rings, emergency contraceptive pills etc.

Despite the different types of contraceptives, the number of teenage and mistimed pregnancies escalates.

The stigma attached to the usage of  contraceptives is related to the excessive disapproval of social pressure, gender norms and religious beliefs.

Imam Baba Leigh, a Muslim scholar, says, the Islamic perception of the usage of contraceptives is legally acceptable only when prescribed by medical practitioners to a lawfully bonded couple.

“planing for your family is Islamically accepted, but it should not be based on financial reasons,” he explained.

Over the years, many people often go to the pharmacy with the intention of buying contraceptives, but would take a U-turn for some reason.

An  anonymou sexually active teenager, revealed to Kairaba news network that, she feels shy to buy contraceptives at the pharmacy, in turn she only consult her trusted medical friends for help.

Briend Donanty Kilone, a medical student and a pharmacist shared some of the funny approaches manifested by contraceptive users/buyers, most especially the male gender.

He said sometimes they will give weird names to condom such as shocks or buy other drugs to cover up.

Adolescents who use contraceptives are sometimes negatively labeled as promiscuous, social stigma attached to the use of contraceptives amongst adolescents can have an impact in their reproductive decision making, if care is not taken.

By: Sohna Tunkara

For Kairaba News Network