Who uses reproductive health services in the Philippines (and who doesn't)?

Data from the 1993 National Demographic Survey and the Safe Motherhood Survey have filled gaps in knowledge about the accessibility and use of reproductive health services in the Philippines. Analysis of the data by the East-West Center's Program on Population has revealed that the number of women using family planning (FP) and maternal health services has risen to 40% in 1993 from 17% in 1973. Modest gains were also seen in the past five years despite disruption to program efforts. Prenatal care showed the greatest maternal care coverage rate increase, but 70% of births occurred at home, with only 51% attended by a trained person, and only 32% of postpartum women received care. Adolescents and women who are over age 40, uneducated, Muslim, and/or live in a rural setting have the most unmet need. In addition, less than half of the women reporting symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease sought treatment from a trained practitioner. Most women use public sector services, including 71% of those using modern contraceptives. While trained midwives provided 58% of prenatal care, traditional birth attendants delivered 52% of all births, and a high incidence of maternal mortality persists (209/100,000). Recommendations arising from this analysis include 1) improving prenatal and delivery care, 2) strengthening postpartum FP services, 3) expanding the program to reach more women, 4) extending the range of reproductive health services offered, 5) integrating traditional practitioners into the reproductive health system, and 6) balancing cost and service variations between the public and private sectors.