11 Reproductive Health Facts from India and Beyond That Need More Awareness

3. Many women still face gaps in contraceptive access and unmet need

Despite improvements in service availability, many women in India continue to experience gaps in contraceptive access and informed choice. Unintended pregnancies remain a reality for millions, driven by inconsistent method supply, limited options in some facilities, and counseling that focuses narrowly on sterilization instead of a wider method mix. For reproductive autonomy to be real, women and couples need reliable information about options, side effects, and the ability to switch methods without judgment. Community outreach sometimes emphasizes a single approach, which can leave unmarried women, adolescents, and those seeking spacing methods underserved. Supply-side fixes—steady stock, trained counselors, and respectful clinic environments—matter. So do rights-based approaches that center consent and informed choice. Strengthening method availability at primary health centers and equipping ASHAs to provide accurate referrals can reduce unmet need. Clear counseling that explains how different methods work and how to manage side effects helps women stick with methods that suit their lives and goals.