MEN’S PARTICIPATION IN FAMILY PLANNING: WHAT DO THE WOMEN THINK?

Abstract

This is descriptive research with a qualitative approach, which aimed to investigate women’s perception regarding male participation in family planning. Interviews were held with 20 women in February – July 2012, in a center of excellence in reproductive care, in the state of Ceará. Two categories emerged from the accounts: The partner’s contribution in contraception and What do women think regarding the man’s participation in family planning? The women perceive the men’s participation as insufficient, and believe that a more effective contribution would include the partners accompanying them to the consultations. They recognize this contribution as important, but some show acceptance in relation to the man’s absence, and do not demand this involvement. In making their selections on their own, and taking responsibility for the contraception, the women absolve the partners from an attribution which is of both, reinforcing the socially constructed and – consciously or unconsciously – accepted idea that it is they who are given responsibility for reproductive matters.

Keywords

• Family planning
• Perception
• Gender