Family planning

Some women from migrant and refugee backgrounds may not have had access to using western family planning services and may have followed traditional culturally and religiously prescribed family planning practices. On arrival, studies of refugee women’s health show that 50% of women do not use contraception (McLeod & Reeve, 2005). Traditional contraceptive practices may include, for example, using withdrawal, a ‘safe’ period, and exclusive breastfeeding. While it is important that women are aware that contraception is a safe and effective way of spacing children and avoiding unwanted pregnancies, it is also important to respect the woman’s cultural attitudes and beliefs surrounding family planning.

Family planning
(Ministry of Health, 2012)

• It is best to ensure that CALD women are referred to female health practitioners to discuss family planning.
• Family Planning Health Practitioners should consider the following:
  • Ensure the confidentiality and privacy of the woman.
  • Use the services of a female interpreter.
  • Use a telephone interpreting service if the woman is concerned about confidentiality.
  • Some women may be unfamiliar with the term “family planning” and may feel more comfortable using the term “family spacing”.
  • Discussions on family planning could start with questions such as:
    • 'If you are planning to have more children, what age gap would you like between your children?'
    • 'In your culture, do you have ways in which you can achieve the spacing you want between children?'
    • 'Would you like more information about spacing your children?'
  • Ask the woman: “Are there any contraceptive methods that are culturally or religiously unacceptable to you?” Discuss the options.