WHO pledges to improve access to contraception

The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged to take steps to improve access to contraception in less affluent nations.

According to the group, it is a fundamental right of women to be able to access modern means of contraception.

However, it is concerned that many females in low to middle-income nations are having problems getting hold of the products they need to prevent conceiving a child.

The WHO has therefore said it will speed up the process of assessing quality contraceptives in order to boost availability to women in these countries.

Margaret Chan, director-general of the body, stated that the right to access modern contraceptives comes "hand in hand" with the right to honour their dignity and give them lots of choices when it comes to family planning.

The WHO added that maternal mortality rates tend to be higher in those places which have the lowest level of access to contraception and family planning support services.