An Analysis of Reproductive Health Issues in Pakistan [with Comments]

This paper aims to examine the reproductive health (RH) issues of both women and men in Pakistan on the basis of selected indicators in the sociocultural context of the country. Using data primarily from the 1996-97 Pakistan Fertility and Family Planning Survey (PFFPS) and some micro-level independent studies, the analysis reveals that reproductive health problems of women are mainly related to pregnancy and childbirth complications that arise because of their own neglect in seeking appropriate and timely health care. Social and economic constraints in accessing services and inadequacies in the health care system for handling obstetric emergencies are the major causes of high maternal mortality rate, especially among rural women. Men's knowledge and attitudes regarding RH pertain mostly to family planning with little information on issues related to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), male potency, and sexuality. This results in many misconceptions about RH and use of unsafe and traditional means of health care. The analysis suggests that effective educational, communication, and support programmes are needed to raise the level of awareness and to access appropriate RH services for both the genders.