Experiences of access and choices of contraceptives for DRC refugee women living in eThekwini Metropolitan Area.

Abstract

This study documents the experiences of DRC Durban-based refugee women; i.e. their access to and choice of contraceptives. When the decisions that concern a person are made by her, that individual is able to make the best choices for herself and to take responsibility for her live. Being able to make the decisions regarding the issues of one's reproductive health, the control of one's fertility in particular is most definitely basic to the empowerment of the individual and central to the emancipation of that individual. Reproductive health consists of a wide range of issues that have to do with the reproductive capacities and health of women. For the purpose of this study, however, reproductive health is seen in the light of contraception and its uses and access. For this study, the term contraceptives refers to a form of birth control which could be a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications used with the intention to purposefully prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy or childbirth. A qualitative methodology appeared to be appropriate in order to better understand DRC refugee women's choices that arise from varied experiences in accessing contracept ives. The findings of this study show that the access and choice of contraceptive methods among DRC refugee women in Durban is gendered and is a product of society. Changes therefore are necessary in order to eliminate all negative attitudes towards contraceptive access and choices.