Universal access to sexual and reproductive health is key for sustainable development. However, the family planning literature is mainly restricted to women that are married or in a union, so that non-partnered women (especially adolescents) remain overlooked.

In this paper we provide further and timely insight on the status of global demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods (mDFPS) among all sexually active women. Using data from 77 low- and middle-income countries, we showed that:

 

- Almost half of the women in need of family planning were not using a modern contraceptive method. mDFPS is highly variable globally, within regions and within countries.

- According to marital status, we found that in Asia & Pacific and Latin America & the Caribbean mDFPS was higher among married women; the opposite was found in West & Central Africa and CEE & CIS countries. These paradoxical findings suggest that the availability of contraceptives may not be the primary barrier, as access may be affected by social norms and barriers.

- Five countries were lagging in terms of mDFPS and in need of special attention in terms of programs and policies: Albania, Azerbaijan, Benin, Chad and Congo Democratic Republic. Subgroups requiring special attention include women who are poor, uneducated/illiterate, young, and living in rural areas.

- Efforts to increase mDFPS must be directed not only to increase the availability of contraception, but also towards the empowerment of women and changes in social norms that might inhibit uptake of modern contraception.

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