Abstract
We used a nationally representative survey of 2186 Mexican Catholic parents to assess two outcomes: support for adolescent access to modern contraception and whether adolescents unaccompanied by an adult should have access to contraceptive methods. A majority (85%) of Mexican Catholic parents support adolescent access to modern contraceptive methods, but there was less support (28%) for access to contraception unaccompanied. Further, our results show strong support (92%) for sex education in schools. Parents who believe that good Catholics can use contraception had higher odds of support for adolescent access and unaccompanied access to modern contraception. Mexican Catholic parents support adolescent access to modern contraception, but support for unaccompanied access to contraception is lower. This may reflect an interest in being involved, and not necessarily opposition to contraceptive use. Measures of Catholicism that focus on behaviors may better explain opinions about adolescent access to contraception.
Highlights
In Mexico, access to family planning is established as a right of Mexican citizens and national policy states that adolescents have access to all modern methods of contraception (Ley General de Salud 1984; Consejo Nacional de Población 2014)
The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with parental support for adolescent access to contraception among Catholic parents
Our results show that Mexican Catholic parents overwhelmingly (85%) support adolescent access to contraception overall, but that the operationalization of this support in practice is much lower (28%)
Summary
In Mexico, access to family planning is established as a right of Mexican citizens and national policy states that adolescents have access to all modern methods of contraception (Ley General de Salud 1984; Consejo Nacional de Población 2014). Mexico is a very Catholic country; 77–85% of adults selfidentify as Catholic (Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir 2014; National Institute of Statistics and Geography 2010), which is often viewed as a deterrent to access to sexual and reproductive health services. Mexican law is clear: NOM005 states that family planning, including information and education, counseling, prescription and application, should be offered to all people of reproductive age, including adolescents, and that the consent of a parent is not required (Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-005-SSA2-1993)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
