34 young women now on contraceptives through #BeFree IUD initiative

The #BeFree Namibia Movement assisted 34 women and girls in Windhoek to receive contraceptive implants in May.

The foundation’s director of health and wellness, Veronica Theron, yesterday told The Namibian the turnout to receive the long-acting reversible contraceptive implants and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) on 9 May was the highest recorded in the organisation’s history. She said this was an indication that women are interested in their reproductive rights.

“The 34 participants represent the highest demand for these specific services in a single activation, indicating a significant increase compared to past routine provisions,” she said.

This comes after #BeFree faced backlash last week for giving free IUCDs and implants to women, including children as young as 16 years old.

The #BeFree Cares Clinic activation focused on expanding free sexual and reproductive health services and education for young people, especially those in underprivileged communities.

Moving forward, Theron said the clinic intends to pursue initiatives with the Ministry of Health and Social Services to broaden its reach and enhance its impact on reproductive health.

“The #BeFree Cares Clinic, a long-standing partner of the ministry of health, recently collaborated with the ministry to conduct a family planning workshop focusing on implants and IUCD insertion, counselling, and side effect management,” she said.

Last week the health director said the initiative is to provide services to young people, including access to medical doctors, psychologists, social workers and support for gender-based violence, substance abuse and challenges faced by young people.

Theron emphasised that the procedures will not be forced onto women. The procedures are voluntary and the open days serve as educational opportunities.

“It’s not just a matter of showing up and getting a procedure. It’s a full day that includes breakfast, education and the women decide whether they want to follow through with the procedure or not. Doctors are there, it’s not a hasty procedure,” she said.

The focus of the initiative was on contraceptive implants and IUCDs, which Theron said was informed by a survey conducted in the Khomas region.

“Before opening the clinic, we surveyed what it is young people prefer and what the government does not always provide. The implants and IUCDs were among the preferred options,” she said.

In addition to the implants and IUCDs, the clinics offer injections, pills, dermal patches and emergency contraceptives as part of its reproduction health services.

They also provide gender-based violence mental health services, HIV-AIDS testing and counselling, pregnancy tests and antenatal care and voluntary medical male circumcisions.

Former minister of health and social services Dr Richard Kamwi questions the wisdom of offering such services to minors without what he describes as adequate awareness and guidance.

“For me, it’s about preventative measures. People have to be educated on why contraceptives are necessary. There’s a lack of awareness, especially among young people,” Kamwi said last week.

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