The Gauteng provincial health department has expressed concern over the persistently low uptake of contraception among women of reproductive age, noting that this remains a significant factor contributing to unplanned pregnancies in the province.
According to available data, the department reported that approximately 75% of unplanned pregnancies in South Africa are linked to insufficient contraceptive use. A Department representative, Steve Mabona, noted that this trend is also observed in Gauteng: in the first quarter of the 2026-2027 financial year, only 32.45% of eligible women utilized contraceptive services, which is below the set target of 43%.
Accessible Contraceptive Services
Mabona emphasized that the low use of contraceptive methods significantly impacts the number of women who require assistance with termination of pregnancy, services provided free of charge in all public healthcare facilities in the province. He added that despite these services being a vital part of reproductive health, the department is concerned that many women miss the opportunity to prevent unwanted pregnancies, even though a wide range of safe, effective, and free contraceptive methods is available in public clinics.
He urged women and adolescent girls to utilize contraceptive services to prevent unintended pregnancies and improve their overall reproductive health. Available options include long-acting reversible contraceptives such as subcutaneous Implanon, intrauterine devices, and Copper T, as well as injectable contraceptives, including Nur-Isret and Depo-Provera. Oral contraceptives such as Trifazil, Microl, and Norlott are also available.
Myths and Concerns Regarding Side Effects
Mabona acknowledged that misconceptions and fears surrounding contraceptive use continue to impede its adoption. He pointed out that many women cite concerns about side effects and potential infertility as reasons for refusing contraception. However, according to him, these concerns often stem from a lack of knowledge and misinformation about various safe and reversible contraceptive methods. He assured that the benefits of using contraception outweigh the potential side effects.
The department stressed that access to contraception empowers women and families to make informed reproductive decisions, improves maternal and child health outcomes, and reduces risks associated with unplanned pregnancies.
Services Available in the Public Healthcare System
Contraceptive services are provided free of charge at all levels of the public healthcare system, including clinics, public health centers, hospitals, and mobile medical units. Mabona reported that trained and competent specialists work in all medical facilities, providing consultations as well as services for the insertion and removal of long-acting reversible contraceptives. To expand access, the department has entered into service level agreements with some private healthcare providers to offer contraceptive services and share service data with the department.
Youth Reproductive Health
In observance of World Contraception Day, celebrated annually on September 25th under the slogan 'No Barriers, Only Choice: Access to Contraception Now,' the department uses this occasion to raise awareness about contraception, debunk myths, and strengthen community capacity, especially among youth, to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Mabona added that contraceptive services are also provided through Youth Zones in healthcare facilities. These special youth-friendly services allow young people to receive contraceptives, information, and support in a safe and confidential setting, including after school hours.
Importance of Condoms for HIV and STI Prevention
Mabona clarified that while contraceptives remain one of the most effective ways to prevent unplanned pregnancies, they do not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He strongly recommended that sexually active individuals consistently and correctly use condoms to prevent HIV transmission and reduce the spread of STIs. Furthermore, HIV prevention methods such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and lenacapavir are available at public healthcare facilities.
In addition to contraceptive services, Gauteng's public healthcare facilities provide a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including pregnancy testing, antenatal care, STI screening and treatment, breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as HIV counseling and testing.
Mabona also reported that during the 2025 and 2026 financial years, the department provided contraceptive services to 2,915,945 women of reproductive age, demonstrating the consistent availability and reach of family planning services across the province.