Contraceptives Proven to Save Lives and Empower Women, New Report Shows

A new evidence brief from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP) highlights the wide-ranging benefits of contraceptive use, showing its importance for both public health and women’s empowerment.

Based on six systematic reviews, the report finds that modern contraceptives reduce health risks while also expanding opportunities in education, work, and decision-making.

Health Benefits

Women who use contraception are 30 percent less likely to experience high-risk pregnancies, the brief notes. Evidence from Bangladesh and Brazil shows that wider access to modern methods has helped cut maternal deaths.

The reviews also point to cancer-related benefits. Oral contraceptive users face a 36 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer and a 44 percent lower risk of endometrial cancer compared with non-users. Although there is a slight rise in cervical cancer risk, HPV vaccination offers protection.

Contraceptives also improve menstrual health, reducing pain, abnormal bleeding, and endometriosis, which in turn lowers school and work absenteeism.

Mental Health Considerations

The report highlights nuanced effects on mental health. Among women with existing conditions, contraceptive use is linked to fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, some hormonal methods, such as implants and IUDs, may slightly increase the risk of depression in women without prior mental health issues. WHO recommends personalized counselling that integrates mental health concerns.

Driving Empowerment
 

Beyond health, contraceptive access strengthens women’s decision-making power, control over resources, and participation in education and employment. For adolescents, empowerment programmes linked to contraceptive access have reduced teenage pregnancy by more than half.

“Contraceptive access is not merely a health intervention, it is a cornerstone of gender equality, economic development and public health,” said Pascale Allotey, Director of HRP and WHO’s Department on Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing.

Policy Recommendations
 

The brief calls on governments to expand access to quality family planning, integrate empowerment strategies into reproductive health programmes, and tailor services for adolescents and young women. It also stresses provider training, stronger health systems, and the inclusion of mental health in counselling.

While the benefits are clear, gaps remain on long-term impacts and on the experiences of women with underlying health conditions. WHO says further research is needed to guide policy and practice.