Johannesburg – The underutilization of contraceptives among women of reproductive age remains a critical factor in the prevalence of unintended pregnancies within the province, as noted by the Gauteng Department of Health.
“Current estimates indicate that 75% of unintended pregnancies in South Africa are linked to insufficient contraceptive use,” the department remarked on Friday, 25 September 2026.
“This trend is particularly observed in Gauteng, where only 32.45% of eligible women accessed contraceptive services in the first quarter of the 2026/27 fiscal year, falling short of the 43% goal.”
The department pointed out that the gradual uptake of contraceptive methods significantly affects the demand for Choice on Termination of Pregnancy services, which are available free of charge at public healthcare facilities across the province.
Although these services are vital for reproductive health, the department voiced concern that many women miss out on opportunities to prevent unintended pregnancies, despite having access to a range of safe, effective, and free contraceptive options within the public healthcare system.
In recognition of World Contraception Day, the department encouraged women and girls of reproductive age to make use of these services to prevent unintended pregnancies and improve their reproductive health outcomes.
Available contraceptive options include long-acting reversible methods such as the Subdermal Implanon, Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Devices, and Copper T, alongside injectable contraceptives like Nur-Isterate and Depo-Provera, as well as oral contraceptives such as Triphasil, Microval, and Nordette.
The department acknowledged that misunderstandings and fears about contraceptive use hinder its wider adoption.
“Many women cite concerns about side effects and possible infertility as reasons for not using contraceptives,” the department stated.
“However, these apprehensions often arise from a lack of understanding and misinformation regarding the various safe and reversible contraceptive choices available. The benefits of contraceptive use significantly outweigh any potential side effects.
“Access to contraception empowers women and families to make informed reproductive choices, enhances maternal and child health outcomes, and reduces the risks associated with unintended pregnancies.”
The department confirmed that contraceptive services are available at no charge across all public healthcare levels, including clinics, community health centers, hospitals, and mobile health services.
All healthcare facilities are staffed with trained professionals who can provide counseling as well as insertion and removal services for Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives.
To increase access, the department noted that it has developed service level agreements with select private healthcare providers to deliver contraceptive services and share service data with relevant departments.
As the global community commemorates World Contraception Day on 25 September 2026 with the theme “No Barriers, Just Choices: Contraceptive Access Now,” the department took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of contraception, dispel myths and misconceptions, and empower communities, especially youth, to make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
The department highlighted that contraceptive services are also available through Youth Zones at healthcare facilities.
“These dedicated youth-friendly services allow young people to access contraceptives, information, and support in a safe and confidential setting, including after school hours,” the department explained.
“While contraceptives are among the most effective means of preventing unintended pregnancies, they do not protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Individuals who are sexually active are encouraged to consistently and accurately use condoms to prevent HIV transmission and lower the spread of STIs.
“HIV prevention methods such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Lenacapavir are also available at public healthcare facilities.”
In addition to contraceptive services, Gauteng public healthcare facilities provide a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including pregnancy testing, antenatal care, STI screening and treatment, as well as breast and cervical cancer screening and HIV counseling and testing.
The department is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to reproductive healthcare and encourages all women and young people to take advantage of these services to safeguard their health and well-being.
Significantly, in the 2025/26 fiscal year, the department reported providing contraceptive services to 2,915,945 women of reproductive age, underscoring the continual availability and accessibility of family planning services across the province.
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