To think this situation in East Africa could be less serious than it is if there was more information about contraception.

[JazzieJeff]

Ive been thinking this over for some time, and I don't want to appear prejudiced, but I don't think I am being. Because after all, so many people say of people who are struggling to live on low wages/benefits in this country 'why are they continuing to have children?'. So really, my point is the same, but in East Africa, people are bringing children into a world where there is a bloody good chance they will starve or die a horrible death from dirty water.

I dont know whether it's a lack of education, or the spread of the Catholic faith in the developing world. However, I'm not sure if either of these validates people continuing to bring children into such a dire situation. I can honestly say that if I was in East Africa, and that was happening to me and I didn't have access to contraception that I would abstain. I really would. I could not bear to allow any child of mine to suffer. Secondly, if it really is the Catholic faith which prevents so many people from using contraception (as is the case in many developing countries), why isn't there more pressure from governments and charities on the Vatican to start putting money up to start paying for all these children? It's not like they're short of cash; how about using some of those funds they use to put gold leaf on the walls to start putting food in children's mouths. Children, that ultimately, they are responsible for. Because this is getting ridiculous. This has happened twice (that I know of in this country) in my lifetime. Either way, AIBU to think that there needs to be a better solution to birth control in these places, be it contraception or abstinence?

The current method isn't working. Less than 20% of young couples in the affected countries are using contraception, be it because of misinformation, misunderstanding or lack of access. So charities are saying they're putting info etc out there, but clearly the methods theyre using aren't working. They're not getting to the right people. How is contraception still unavailable in the 21st century? It's a basic human right. If I was living there, and pregnant or had a baby, I'd be terrified. It's all very well to say the women affected bf, but what happens if you can't because you're so malnourished?

What about other methods of contraception? Condoms are fallible, I know other types don't protect against STI's but if it's family planning you're talking about, then perhaps it's worth thinking about, just so you can get to people who do want to plan/wait. Also, people since the AIDS crisis have been educated about the importance of staying with one person. In Uganda, this has been hugely effective and new infection rates are at an all-time low.

how is contraception unavaliable in the 21st century?

I don't know. Have a word with Boots. They are clearly missing a big franchising opportunity in developing countries. Why there isnt a Boots in every village with a good selction of "family planning" products is beyond me.

Or, heres a radical idea, maybe some of them dont use contraception because they dont want to

As a person of African heritage It never fails to amaze me how ignorant people can be.

OP I don't think East Africa is the only place they are missing education on self betterment, perhaps you should follow your own advice and learn a few things before spouting off. You are not the only one sadly who could do with a bit of re-education on this thread.

Himalaya said some very good things earlier, hopefully that will not go ignored.

Also, I think that charities involved in the after care aid need to confront the cultural barriers to contraceptive take up, where these barriers exist. Because regardless of whether it is part of your culture to have lots of children so that you will be taken care of in your old age, these ideas should be challenged in order to try to get people affected to have smaller families, so that there is more to go round, and more likelihood that you will be able to better nourish and educate the children that you do have and be able to keep them healthier.

There is a direct link between larger families and poverty. The more children you have, the less able you are to get yourself out of poverty. It's all very well saying 'oh, but it is part of their culture', because yes it is part of their culture. But it isn't really helping.

Oh and charitites do not help but actually make situations worse and cripple local communities. Enough research has been done on the subject to show how that happens.

Only few charitable organisations who campaign for rights as opposed to interfering and giving actual aid help somewhat.

Like I said, educate yourselves and do some reading other than the oxfam leaflets.

charities, not charitites

I think the op is spot on! And nobody seems to see that the men may also not want to see their children die so why dont they abstain (or withdrawal methods etc?)
Im sorry all you posters are actually being more offensive than the op? Suggesting that they will have more children because the men insist? Do the men not have a say? I cant understand why the op is being given a hard time at all!

*the more children you have the less able you are to get yourself out of poverty" thats a very broad not necessarily accurate generalisiation Jazzie.

Alright then, let's ignore the problem and hope it goes away. Let's not help. Let's carry on the way we are (even though we have been here before and will be again). Let's not challenge the barriers that exist, because hell, I'm alright and that's all that matters. Who cares that children who are being born in these affected countries will die?

No, let's make 'hilarious' sarcastic comments about franchising opportunities at Boots. That'll make it all better. I've presented people with the facts on this forum. Undeniable facts, but people still want to ignore the reality that's staring us in the face, just in case the solution might be considered offensive.

Im with you OP

FFS

In 2007, the total estimated cost for contraceptive care in developing countries was $17.1 billion. Although donor countries should have contributed about $3 billion, based on earlier pledges, they provided only about $500 million that year.

Guttmacher Institute, UNFPA. Contraception: An Investing in Lives, Health and Development. 2008 Series.

I also said earlier ldn that many western charities have done a lot of harm in their 'aid', even though it was well meant. It was misplaced because social and cultural barriers were misunderstood.

But the correlation between larger families and poverty in poorer countries in well documented.

I'm sorry but comments like

How is contraception still unavailable in the 21st century?

and

nobody seems to see that the men may also not want to see their children die so why dont they abstain (or withdrawal methods etc?)

show a total lack of understanding level of fuckwittedness that leaves me absolutely speechless

Catgirl, you are obviously suggesting that these people are too stupid to understand that sex could lead to a baby, that they cant afford to feed and may die a horrible death!!

I'm sure that I heard somewhere that clean water is the key. If people had a guaranteed supply they could grow crops, keep animals and bring their children up. After that it would not take more than a generation or two of education/health education to help women take control of their fertility and have the children they want without losing so many to famine and disease.

Creighton, at last some sense!

Catgirl, you are obviously suggesting that these people are too stupid to understand that sex could lead to a baby, that they cant afford to feed and may die a horrible death!!

No Landrover. No I am not. I am suggesting you are too stupid to have any real comprehension of the complexity of the situation. Your post just proved that really.

oh dear landrover

op you posted - It was misplaced because social and cultural barriers were misunderstood

you yourself are not accepting the social and cultural differences, you are saying your way is right end its all down to having too many children, you are not understanding how they perceive things, their culture you are totally dismissing their beliefs, way of life. this is very much like the missionaries worked, and look at the damage they caused

Usually reduction in the birth rate falls as a direct result of development, including improvements in sanitation, clean drinking water etc. As the death rate starts to fall the birth rate will often follow in a fairly short period of time. There are many reasons why a country or region may have a high birth rate and just providing contraception does not appear to be the answer. The most successful results in terms of reducing overall birth rate often also come with the empowerment of women through education.

One charity recently did a study with sand dams (can't remember the name, but the guardian reported on it). Basically, farmers were involved in a study and they were found to be really effective and the water in them lasted for several seasons, irrigating crops and in turn feeding people. But they were dismissed and buried. The people are coming up with their own solutions to help with their situations, they know their situation that they are living in best. They just need our support to make it happen.

And saying that contraception should be available in the 21st century to everyone is not stupid, or flawed. It is recognised as a human right now.

Right catgirl so you are saying that both the man and women have sex knowing full well the child may die, but they do it coz they want sex or a child to look after them in their old age or their religion tells them so?

And both of them will suffer watching the child die and not think to do anything about having more children (not necessarily using contraceptive but withdrawal or types of sex) then yes i dont get it, if this is the case then you are saying they are stupid?

fs it is not a 'belief' to have big families out there. It is the social norm. What is wrong with challenging that social norm, in the same way they people challenge the 'social norm' of stoning people to death in other countries?

And everyone should have the right to clean water, to food, to healthcare, to education, to equal rights, to live without persecution. But me saying that doesn't appear to have delivered it does it?