Population Institute

ABSTRACT

Women’s ability to make autonomous decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is fundamental to achieving gender equity and upholding reproductive rights. Although global evidence links women’s empowerment to increased contraceptive uptake, limited research has focused on SRH empowerment and its influence on modern contraceptive use in the Philippines. This study addresses this gap by examining the association between SRH empowerment, sociodemographic characteristics, and current use of modern contraception among married Filipino women.

Using data from the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey, the analysis draws on a weighted sample of 14,763 currently married women aged 15–49. SRH empowerment was measured using four indicators: the ability to refuse sex, to request their partner to use a condom, to make decisions regarding contraceptive use, and to make decisions about one’s own health care. Findings show that 42% of married women reported using modern contraceptive methods, while 17% relied on traditional methods, and 41% did not use any form of contraception. Although a large majority of women reported the ability to refuse sex (92%) and to request condom use (77%), fewer women reported autonomy in making decisions about contraceptive use (36%) and personal health care (47%).

Binary logistic regression results indicate that women who reported the ability to refuse sex and to independently decide on contraceptive use were significantly more likely to use modern contraceptives. Sociodemographic factors positively associated with modern contraceptive use included younger age, secondary or higher education, employment, Roman Catholic affiliation, rural residence, and having more children.

The findings underscore the importance of SRH empowerment in influencing contraceptive behavior among Filipino women. These findings underscore the critical role of SRH empowerment in shaping contraceptive behavior. To improve reproductive health outcomes and advance gender equity, programs and policies must go beyond increasing access to services. They must also actively foster women’s agency in making informed SRH decisions through investments in education, employment, and empowerment initiatives.

Keywords: Sexual and reproductive health empowerment, Contraceptive use, Married Filipino women, Sociodemographic factors, Philippines