Hispanic Women Need More Information About Long-Term Family Planning
— reported by Hispanic Ad
A new national survey of 274 Hispanic women between the ages of 25 – 49, conducted by International Communications Research (ICR) in February and March 2005,(1) reveals gaps in knowledge about female sterilization, the most widely used family planning method among women ages 35 – 44 and among married and formerly married women in the U.S.(2) The survey reveals that a high percentage of Hispanic women select female sterilization for long-term birth control without being informed of other long-term, reversible options.
“Family is the heart and soul of the Latina community. That is why it is important for women to understand all their family planning options so they can make the choice that is best for them. This survey clearly shows that more education is needed about highly effective and removable long-term contraceptives now available,†said Diana Ramos, M.D., assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. “For instance, nearly 65 percent of Hispanic women surveyed are unaware of a contraceptive option that is as effective as sterilization, yet is easily removed if she wants to have another baby. That alternative is Mirena, which is as effective as sterilization in preventing pregnancy for up to five years– without the permanence or risks of surgery.â€
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