Shift Towards Traditional Methods Raises Concerns Over Declining Modern Contraceptive Use in India

India's reliance on traditional contraceptive methods is increasing, as shown in the NFHS-6. This shift coincides with declining modern contraceptive use, dropping from 56.4% to 52.7%. Experts highlight the importance of modern choices for population control and women's empowerment, emphasizing the need for informed, rights-based family planning options.

Recent data from the National Family Health Survey-6 reveals a growing trend among Indian couples to adopt traditional family planning methods, leading to a decline in the use of modern contraceptives. The survey indicates that 52.7% of married women utilized modern contraceptive methods in 2023-24, down from 56.4% in the previous survey conducted between 2019 and 2021.

As traditional methods saw a rise from 10.3% to 16.4%, experts are voicing their concerns about the implications of this shift for women's health and empowerment. Although overall contraceptive use increased to 69.1%, the preference for less reliable methods, such as rhythm and withdrawal, risks unintended pregnancies. Health professionals advocate for enhanced awareness and access to modern contraceptive options to ensure informed and autonomous family planning decisions.

The NFHS-6 underscores the urgent need for a modern, rights-based approach in family planning that emphasizes women's ability to choose and use effective methods. Initiatives that educate and expand contraceptive choices could help tackle social norms placing contraceptive responsibility predominantly on women, thus mitigating risks associated with unplanned pregnancies.