Female Contraception in the Developing World

Technology and politics analytic reflection: MDG

What is the MDG that can be met through technological development, innovation or implementation?

One of the millennium development goals of the UN is to improve maternal health. This goal does not simply encompass reducing childhood mortality rates but also means increasing access to contraception and other aspects of women's health such as sanitary napkins, women-specific healthcare and even education, given that increased levels of education have been linked to lower birthrates and the improved status of women ("Goal 5," 2015; Martin & Juarez 1995).

What is the technological artifact and how does it meet the MDG you identified?

One technological artifact which could have a major impact upon women's lives is that of the condom. Condoms can both act as an effective forms of birth control when used correctly and are also extremely helpful in fighting STDs. A new company, L. Condoms, has specifically been created to improve the design of condoms and to begin to distribute them more widely in the developing world. The new condoms have lubricants which reduce the likelihood of leading to UTI infections and have safe, minimally impactful packaging (Gannon 2014).

Q3. How is the development or implementation of the technological artifact influenced by politics or a political system?

However, even if the technology is present to make condom use more effective for the developing world, there are a number of political factors which impede access to their full utilization. The first and simplest component of this is access to health services in general, which can be extremely difficult to obtain for poor women living in rural areas. Female literacy and access to education can also be an impediment, given that women may have limited knowledge of the types of birth control available to them. According to the United Nations, more than 222 million women in developing countries have unmet contraception needs. This definition of unmet needs encompasses having a limited selection of contraception methods; limited access; limited selection to devices which do not include side effects; cultural or religious barriers (such as husbands who refuse to wear condoms, the threat of rape, or Catholic opposition to birth control as a matter of doctrine); a lack of medical services; and discrimination against women ("Family planning," 2013). Women's underrepresentation in politics in general often makes this a low priority. An estimated 53% of women of reproductive age in Africa lack access to contraception ("Family planning," 2013).

Q4. How does meeting the MDG through the example of technology you provide integrate our global world?