NFHS-6 insights: Contraceptive use and women's reproductive agency in India
The NFHS-6 (2023-24) data reveals that contraception in India is increasingly a marker of women's reproductive agency, though women still bear a disproportionate share of responsibility. Key findings include the persistence of early marriage, especially in rural areas, leading to extended reproductive windows and higher health risks. Female sterilization remains the dominant contraceptive method (36.5%), while male sterilization is negligible (0.5%), reflecting policy design and gender disempowerment. The article advocates for policies that shift from compliance to choice, emphasizing ending child marriage, investing in rural secondary education, and increasing access to reversible scientific contraception methods.
Key Points
- NFHS-6 data shows contraception as a growing indicator of women's reproductive agency, despite women bearing most of the burden.
- Early marriage persists, particularly in rural areas, leading to longer reproductive windows and adverse health outcomes.
- Female sterilization is the predominant contraceptive method (36.5%), while male sterilization is very low (0.5%).
- Policy recommendations include addressing early marriage, promoting reversible contraception, and reducing gender skew in family planning.
Exam Facts
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6, 2023-24) data.
- 20.1% of women aged 20-24 were married before 18 (rural 23.3%).
- Female sterilisation accounts for 36.5% of all contraceptive use (down from 37.9% in NFHS-5).
- Male sterilisation is 0.5%.
- Traditional method use rose from 10.3% (NFHS-5) to 16.4%.
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