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→Laws & Social Stigmas
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===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Nigeria, you can | In Nigeria, you can purchase condoms and birth control pills at pharmacies without a prescription. While you may technically need a prescription for birth control pills, this is not typically enforced, and birth control pills are available over-the-counter.<ref>[http://ocsotc.org/wp-content/uploads/worldmap/worldmap.html Global Oral Contraception Availability]</ref> <ref>[http://freethepill.org/where-on-earth/ Free the Pill: Where on Earth?]</ref> However, for other forms of contraception, such as implants, injectables, and IUDs, you may need to directly visit a hospital or clinic to obtain them. | ||
While contraception is available, it is not widely used. It is estimated that less than 20-24% of married women in Nigeria use modern contraceptives. An additional 16% want to delay childbirth but are not using any form of contraception. In 2013, the World Bank estimated that 24% of Nigerian young men (ages 15-24) used condoms. As the NYTimes reported, "In a deeply religious country where many Roman Catholics and Muslims oppose contraception, politicians and doctors broach the topic gingerly, and change is slow. Posters promote 'birth spacing,' not 'birth control.' Supplies of contraceptives are often erratic." (Source: [http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/world/africa/in-nigeria-a-preview-of-an-overcrowded-planet.html Nigeria Tested by Rapid Rise in Population], 2012). | |||
The Nigerian government, however, is very interested in population control. The United Nations has estimated that the country's population could grow to 400 million by 2050. For these reasons, the government has tried to encourage contraceptive use. In 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan instructed Nigerians to limit the number of children in their families and encouraged the use of contraceptives. He also caused controversy by suggesting that Nigeria may want to adopt a policy similar to China's "One Child Policy." | The Nigerian government, however, is very interested in population control. The United Nations has estimated that the country's population could grow to 400 million by 2050. For these reasons, the government has tried to encourage contraceptive use. In 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan instructed Nigerians to limit the number of children in their families and encouraged the use of contraceptives. He also caused controversy by suggesting that Nigeria may want to adopt a policy similar to China's "One Child Policy." | ||