If you've ever received a gift you weren't happy about, you might feel inclined to throw it away, leave it unused, or feel frustration and resentment whenever you see it.

This sentiment is comparable to the experience of an unintended pregnancy—the pain and disappointment of it arriving at the "wrong" time, potentially disrupting a carefully planned life.

For those unmarried, there is also the embarrassment of revealing a private relationship or being forced into a commitment with the wrong person. How crucial, then, is the power to confidently say a timely "Yes, please" or "No, thanks"?

With approximately 71% of Ghanaians identifying as Christians who may turn to ministers of the gospel for guidance, the Church has a unique role in promoting the importance of wanted versus unintended pregnancies among its members. This article explores how Church policies can support individuals and families in making informed reproductive choices. Key areas of focus include ensuring access to education, healthcare, and support systems.

The Church can lead by introducing age-appropriate education in schools and gatherings on reproductive health, consent, contraception, relationships, and family responsibilities. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help inform communities about sexual health, family planning, and parental responsibilities.

Sexual health education is often neglected due to a shortage of qualified educators or educators who lack the skills, teaching materials, or sufficient time to address the full scope outlined in national guidelines. This lack of timely education fosters curiosity, leading to risky trial-and-error behaviors that can result in unintended pregnancies among children and teenagers. These young parents, unprepared for the situation, face increased risks of maternal complications and even death. Children born from unintended pregnancies, especially to adolescent mothers, often face challenges such as a higher risk of perinatal or neonatal death, premature birth, or low birth weight.

However, the issue extends beyond primary education. Medical training often overlooks sexual health education, leaving future healthcare providers unprepared. Parents also lack guidance, making them unprepared to discuss these topics at home. With no one adequately prepared, we face an urgent need for universal, age-appropriate, lifelong education on sexuality and relationships—essential knowledge that should be integrated into all levels of society, as sexuality is part of life from birth to death.

Sexual imprints (male or female) are personal, but sexual commitment involves two people with unique backgrounds, perspectives, and goals. A comprehensive understanding of consent and planning can help prevent the emotional, social, and physical stresses that come with unintended pregnancies. Informed consent is the foundation of assured choice, and with proper support, it can contribute to building healthier communities and a stronger nation.

Understanding the range of family planning options is crucial. Providing universal knowledge and access to affordable, diverse contraceptive methods can encourage open discussion about fears and myths surrounding contraception, promoting customized choices that suit each individual of reproductive age. This approach can boost usage, alleviate the economic strain of even a single unintended pregnancy, and save families and healthcare systems significant resources and work hours. Educating Church members on the health benefits and potential challenges of available contraceptive options will empower them to choose methods suited to their reproductive needs, while also addressing ways to reduce any associated side effects. When the advantages are clear, adherence becomes easier, helping to avoid unintended pregnancies and related complications.

The Church can play a vital role by promoting access to reproductive healthcare before and after marriage, which includes prenatal care, counselling, fertility services, and comprehensive abortion services where needed. Encouraging members to enrol in healthcare plans can also be beneficial. Currently, 68.8% of Ghanaians have health insurance coverage, but often only for basic care. Additional coverage for reproductive health would allow individuals to benefit more comprehensively.

Regular family planning services that provide counselling and support to help individuals space pregnancies according to their needs can also be emphasized within Church health initiatives. Integrating family planning information into health talks makes access routine and sustainable. Educating members on balancing productivity with responsibility and planning can enhance decision-making. Policies that support intentional family planning—such as those encouraging men’s active participation in contraception—can further reinforce family stability and personal choice.

Youth education and access to reproductive healthcare are equally important. The Church can establish community programs that equip young people with knowledge, skills, and resources for informed reproductive choices. Teaching youth about timelines and boundaries in reproductive matters can help them make responsible decisions for their futures.

Preconception care and postpartum counselling on family planning are also crucial, as these services provide new parents with timely access to contraception and reproductive healthcare. Addressing cultural, religious, and societal stigmas around reproductive autonomy within these programs can foster a healthier, more supportive environment.

The Church can also extend support to couples praying for children by encouraging medical consultation together, acknowledging that fertility challenges can arise from either partner or both. Educating congregants on advances in assisted reproductive technology and supporting couples facing fertility difficulties, rather than attributing blame, helps to cultivate a more compassionate community.

The Church is a family that includes individuals facing brokenness due to unplanned pregnancies, fertility struggles, and challenging life circumstances. Additionally, issues like abandoned children, mothers struggling to provide for their children, and child labour in rural areas highlight the need for comprehensive community support. Unbridled population growth can lead to hardship, unproductivity, and poverty, reinforcing the need for balance in family growth (Ecclesiastes 3:1, Genesis 1:28).

By adopting these approaches, the Church can help reduce unintended pregnancies and support intentional, well-planned parenthood. This will enable children to be raised in nurturing environments, and well-prepared to contribute positively to their communities and the nation.

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The author, Dr. Mercy Anna Nuamah, is a practicing Medical Doctor and a Senior Research Fellow with Special Research Interests in Maternal Health and Community Health. She has Family Counselling Education from the Christian Council of Ghana and helps with premarital/marital counselling at Church. She is a member of the Methodist Church, Ghana.