A Right to Reproductive Autonomy: a Case of Contraceptive Use Among Women in Mosocho Location, Kisii County

Abstract

This research project examined the right of reproductive autonomy concerning contraceptive use among women in Mosocho in Kisii County. Specifically, the study’s aim was to (i) identify the factors that either promote or hinder the realization of the right to bodily autonomy with regard to reproductive health access and contraceptive uptake; (ii) to determine whether the women in the Mosocho location have the freedom to choose whether or not to use contraceptives, and (iii) to propose strategies for advancing reproductive autonomy and improving contraceptive uptake among women in Mosocho location. The findings of this study are aimed at informing policies and programs to promote reproductive health and rights among women in the study area and beyond. The study population comprised of sexually active women of reproductive age between 22 and 40 years of age and those who did not desire pregnancy and were either currently using contraceptives or not, residents of the Mosocho location, and respondents in heterogeneous relationships. The research employed a qualitative descriptive technique to evaluate women’s right to use contraceptives. The sample size was thirty-five respondents including the key informants comprising health practitioners, community health workers, and local women leaders and in-depth interviews.The researcher used face-to-face interviews to gather primary data and supplemented with secondary data drawn from published articles, reports, and grey literature, including unpublished articles for secondary data. Thematic analysis was employed on the qualitative data and the study findings reveal that the community members have good knowledge of contraceptive methods. However, the study reveals that women in the Mosocho location cannot choose their preferred contraception or decide whether to use contraceptives, as they face strong resistance and opposition from their male partners. The fear of violence at home reinforces this lack of agency if women were to assert their autonomy in this matter. The significant influence of men on women's contraceptive decisions severely limits women’s reproductive autonomy as women depend on their husbands’ preferences, consent, and financial support regarding contraceptive use. The study also highlights the importance of involving couples in sexual and reproductive health issues and the need for government support to reach women in remote villages. The study concludes that improving contraceptive uptake in the community includes increasing awareness and education about contraceptive methods’ benefits and side effects, reducing the stigma associated with contraceptive use, and involving men in contraceptive decision-making. In terms of recommendations, the Kisii County government should support Mosocho Location and its facilities by ensuring that healthcare services are accessible, affordable, and available to women in the community. A case in point would be working with healthcare providers in the location to improve their capacity to provide sexual and reproductive health services, especially those related to contraceptive use. Further, they should sensitize the community members on factors that can conspire with structures of violence and discrimination to deny women their agency in making informed and free choices about their reproductive health. Finally, the study suggests that a detailed survey should be conducted to determine if there is any correlation between the level of education and the realization of the right to reproductive autonomy.