(Image Source: https://publichealthwatch.wordpress.com/2014/07/09/could-contraceptive-microchips-revolutionize-birth-control/)
Dr John Teo, Medical Member of Federation of Reproductive Health Associations, Malaysia (FRHAM) has responded through MalayMail on the recent newspaper reports about the claims of forced contraceptives on the Orang Asli communities by a memoradum submitted to the government.
He stated, “It’s even more distressing to note that there were many remarks by public and healthcare professionals who regarded this issue with mixed reaction, confusion, to downright conspiracy theories. In particular, this issue highlights the many myths and misconceptions about contraception and detracts from the critical health and life-preserving benefits of contraceptives.”
He also mentioned that it is a fact that contraception saves the lives of mothers and infants. It also empowers women and their families to take control of their lives, improve their economic well-being and enrich communities. The challenge in providing contraceptive care to communities who are underserved and marginalised is even more marked with issues of accessibility to healthcare — many are only reachable by mobile clinics, long boats or flying doctors services.
“Myths, misconceptions and misinformation are abundant among communities, more so in those communities which are remote and underserved. This is complicated commonly by a background of poor maternal health from multiple short interval pregnancies, anaemia and other medical complications, making their pregnancies high risk”, as per his response to Malay Mail.
You can read the full article here.
