IF FAMILY PLANNING IS A HUMAN RIGHT, WHERE IS THE HUSBAND IN DECISION-MAKING ABOUT FAMILY PLANNING AND METHOD SELECTION?

Abstract

Family planning is a Human Right, a woman or a man is free to decide for his/her family with full autonomy, as well as to select any family planning method according to their wish, however, in some social contexts, the process of family planning is not so simple as it is perceived in basic right based family planning conceptual framework. This paper aims to present the findings of qualitative research on the decision-making process of a husband regarding his family planning method selection in the a typical rural environment of Sindh, Pakistan. A descriptive exploratory model was adopted, and in-depth interviews were employed to collect the data while using in-depth interview guides. A total of 12 interviews were conducted in two districts Daddu and Thatta, Sindh, currently using any contraceptive method, such as injection, pills, or condoms. The results reveal that the decision to use family planning is a complex process, where the husband’s socio-economic status (SES), his attitude toward family planning, and the availability of FP services and products are identified influencers of the process of family planning. A discussion was made with the perspective of human rights and family planning to get a conceptual understanding. This study identified additional factors that influence the decision of the husband for the selection of an acting contraceptive method, including side effects of the wife's attitude toward any specific family planning method. The type of family structure is also seen as an influencing factor and potentially alters the desire of couples in the domain of family planning. The study also identifies the gaps in the literature, focusing on exploring more social factors triggering or hindering the decision-making process.

Keywords:  Family Planning, Husband Role In FP, Human Rights, Contraceptive Prevalence Rate, FP Decision-Making.