As Thailand has succeeded in birth control, it has been found that the total fertility rate of Thai women has a continuous downward trend. In 2018, on average, one woman had 1.5 children. However, teenage pregnancy remains an issue that needs addressing, with a repeat teenage pregnancy rate of 10.8% in 2017. To effectively delay pregnancies and reduce the rate of repeat teenage pregnancies, the World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that adolescents should use semi-permanent contraception, which is the most appropriate method. However, access to semi-permanent contraceptives is still limited.
- Adolescents are unaware of their rights, as the National Health Security Office (NHSO) has approved free contraceptive implants for Thai adolescents under 20 years old.
- Fear of side effects from implants, worrying about infertility.
- Service providers are unaware of adolescent rights, requiring parental consent for implants, even though adolescents can consent themselves.
- Attitudes of adults towards adolescents with implants, such as teachers checking students’ arms, implying that having an implant indicates sexual activity.
- Contraceptive supplies are expensive, with high costs, and are not commonly provided to those over 20 years old.
Closing the gap to allow adolescents access to semi-permanent contraceptive services starts with changing the attitudes of service providers, strengthening the network for sustainability, and creating health literacy, especially sexual health, for adolescents, families, and communities.
Report from the 3rd National Conference on Sexual Health: Teenage Pregnancy from Strategy to Sustainable Practice, January 28-30, 2019, Topic “Semi-Permanent Contraception: Unreached Rights and Gaps Needing Development”
Moderator: Dr. Manas Ramkiatsak, Assistant Director of the Reproductive Health Division, Department of Health, Speaker: Dr. Kittipong Saejeng, Director of the Reproductive Health Division, Department of Health, Ms. Jaravee Rattanayos, National Health Security Office, Ms. Achara Kaewpradit, Head of the 1663 Hotline Operations, AIDS Access Foundation, Ms. Suwanna Thadapipat, Specialist Professional Nurse, Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Group, Khon Kaen Hospital, Mr. Jit Srikacha, Specialist Professional Nurse, Srirat Hospital, Sisaket Province
