Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Explain briefly the traditional methods listed by participants or add those if necessary,
using the trainer document Traditional Contraceptive Methods as a basis.
Post the flipchart Family Planning Methods. Explain that world wide, more and more
couples are using modern methods of family planning.
Emphasize that approximately half of the population is still using traditional methods or
no method. This has resulted in a high number of unintended/unplanned pregnancies,
which has led to a high rate of abortion.
Emphasize that the increased use of contraception has led to an important decrease in the
abortion rate, and thus in maternal mortality.
Ask participants:
‣ How many women have you heard of whose death was due to using a modern
contraceptive method?
Answers will vary. The number will likely be low.
‣ Before 1989, how many women did you hear about who died during or following
an abortion (which was commonly used because of the lack of contraception)?
Answers will vary. The number will likely be higher.
Explain that:
• Many more women have died because of abortion compared with women who
have died due to using modern contraception.
• Modern contraceptives are one of the most studied categories of medicines
produced by the pharmaceutical industry and because of this their side effects are
very low, much less than the natural risks which may occur during women’s
pregnancies.
Emphasize that the risks associated with the lack of contraception (unwanted
pregnancies, often terminated through abortion), are much more important than the risk
of using modern methods of contraception.
III-IV. AVAILABLE FAMILY PLANNING METHODS
a) NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING METHODS (40 minutes)
Referring to the process of fertilization and conception discussed in previous session, ask
participants:
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 4: FP Methods