SUMMARY of the Article “Babies Galore,” Zubeida Mustafa, Dawn, August 23rd, 2024

The article explores the deeply ingrained societal norms in Pakistan that drive couples to have children, particularly sons, as soon as possible after marriage, often due to social pressures and the desire to secure marital status. This cultural backdrop presents significant challenges to family planning initiatives, which are often seen as immoral or unnecessary in the context of traditional values. The article highlights Pakistan’s alarming population growth rate, which stands at 2.5% over the past 25 years, with a total fertility rate (TFR) of 3.6, compared to the global average of 2.2. Despite the pressing need for effective family planning, the existing programs in Pakistan are severely underperforming. The report by Research and Development Solutions, referenced in the article, identifies supply-side issues, such as the underutilization of clinics and contraceptive outlets, and the overburdening of Lady Health Workers with non-family planning duties, which limits their effectiveness. The article also points to the centralized procurement of contraceptives as a significant barrier, leading to periodic shortages. However, there is hope through the application of technology-driven strategies, as demonstrated by Dr. Ayesha Khan’s project, which significantly increased the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) in urban slums. Despite these advances, the article stresses that true success in family planning requires a cultural shift towards recognizing the importance of smaller families, women’s empowerment, and a holistic approach to human development » Read More…