Informed choice: a pillar of quality family planning in theory and practice? The Vietnam family planning project
Winn, M.
Development Bulletin 47(January): 58-59
1999
Document Number: 303450
It is argued that despite efforts to increase the information provided to clients of family planning, there are still considerable gaps, including: the absolute and relative contraindications of each contraceptive; what to do if there is a contraceptive failure; the contraceptive's impact on sexual and family household practice; general sexual and reproductive health including genital sanitation, reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted infections; and the range of health services provided such as support, counselling and referral. The paper then reviews how the Vietnam Family Planning Project (1993-96) aimed to offer real informed choice to its beneficiaries. Issues discussed are: an integrated approach to family planning; building on local expertise; and what it the wrong choices are made. It is noted that informed choices can sit very uncomfortably alongside population family planning guidelines such as AusAID's principle of ensuring projects do not involve abortion training or services, or research, trials or activities which directly involve abortion drugs. The challenge for project implementors and field staff is how to frame the parameters of informed choice and how to handle its consequences.