World Population Day - 11 July 2011
GEMS member Valerie Jacobs*, a mother of three and nurse in a maternity ward, says that choosing to have a child is one of the most life changing decisions you can ever make.
While Valerie adores all three of her children, she cautions that raising even just one child can be a physical, mental, emotional and financial challenge. She therefore advises women and their partners to seriously consider doing a little family planning before having children.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to share real life member stories and their outcomes with you. This article explores the subject of planned parenthood this World Population Day 2011.
The impact of overpopulation
World Population Day is held annually on 11 July to shed some light on population issues in the global community. Today, the world's population is close on seven billion, more than double what it was just 50 years ago. The United Nations (UN) estimates that by the middle of this century the world population will grow to around 9.3 billion. According to the UN, much of this predicted growth will occur within Africa.
Such dramatic overpopulation could lead to some serious problems in the future. As it is, the current global population size is already threatening the sustainability of the world we live in. Overpopulation is causing a number of worrying environmental, economic and social issues all around the globe.
Below are a number of overpopulation issues that threaten our survival and the wellbeing of our planet:
Think before you jump
The negative impacts of overpopulation on our environment and global community are deeply disturbing. Of particular concern to women are certain health issues relating to overpopulation, including conception, pregnancy and birth.
Becoming pregnant can pose a serious risk to young girls and women. According to the International Planned Parenthood Federation, adolescent girls between 10 and 19 years of age constitute around 23% of the global disease burden due to complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth. In addition to this, having children can place a considerable burden on women who are not ready or have not planned to do so.
Valerie says that in her experience as a mother and maternity ward nurse, family planning is essential for all women. "I had my children young, and while I do not regret this, I believe that it is important for women of all ages to consider just how life-changing it can be to have a baby before having unprotected sex. There are many responsibilities that come with children, such as clothing and feeding them and ensuring that they receive an education. You need to be able to do all of these things as well as give your children the love and care that they need."
Keeping your options open
"As a maternity nurse, I have seen many women giving birth to babies that they did not plan to have. Sometimes they are glad to be having these children, but often they are deeply concerned about how to care for them. I have also seen many young girls suffer severe complications because of early pregnancy and childbirth."
"My own daughter is 16 and hopes to be a doctor one day. She does not want to have children until she has achieved this goal. I have taught her about the importance of exercising her right to choose when she wants to have sexual intercourse and when she wants to become pregnant. When she decides that she is ready to enter a serious relationship she knows that there are a number of contraceptive options available to her."
Valerie has told her daughter that aside from its contraceptive benefits, the use of a condom is extremely important as it can offer protection from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. While sex is a subject that many South Africans prefer not to talk about or discuss with their children, it is important to do so as this can help to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other dangerous illnesses.
The benefits of planning ahead
According to the UN Population Fund, around 200 million women say that they want to delay or space pregnancy so that they will be better able to raise their children when the time comes. Family planning is an important way for young girls and women to exercise their right to choose when to have sexual intercourse and when to have children. It is also important for the control of population growth.
Below are some of the benefits of family planning, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO):
Preventing pregnancy-related health risks in women
Reducing infant mortality
Helping to prevent HIV/AIDS
Reducing the need for unsafe abortion
Empowering people
Reducing adolescent pregnancies
Slowing population growth
An unplanned pregnancy or child can be an enormous personal challenge as well as contribute to the overpopulation that is such a burden on our communities and environment. Young girls and women are urged to exercise their right to choose when to have sexual intercourse and when to have children as this will not only help to safeguard their own well-being but also that of the planet.
GEMS offers a contraceptive benefit on three of its options as well as a maternity programme that provides important healthcare services and support to pregnant women.
If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send an SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.
Sources:
1. The World Health Organisation, www.who.int
2. The United Nations, www.un.org
3. The United Nations Population Fund, www.unfpa.org
4. The International Planned Parenthood Federation, www.ippf.org
*The member's name has been changed in order to protect her identity and that of her children.
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