Facts on satisfying the need for contraception in developing countries

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Why contraception is critical

The benefits of contraceptive use are dramatic and far-reaching. They include preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing the number of abortions, and reducing the incidence of deaths and illnesses related to complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
Contraceptive use enables couples to have the number of children they want and can care for, can reduce the transmission of HIV, helps reduce pressure on scarce natural resources, and can improve educational and employment opportunities for women and their children. These improvements in turn contribute to reducing poverty and spurring economic growth.
Increased contraceptive use and reduced unmet need for contraception are indicators of progress toward two of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals – reducing maternal mortality and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS – and contribute directly or indirectly to achieving all eight goals.
Two trends will likely drive up demand for con-traceptives in ...