Decline in Family Planning Methods Observed in Delhi: NFHS-6

According to the latest National Family Health Survey, the use of family planning methods among currently married women aged 15-49 has decreased in Delhi from 2019-21 to 2023-24, while the unmet need for such methods has increased. The NFHS-6 data indicates a decline in family planning engagement.

In 2023-24, 67.4% of married women were reported to use some form of family planning, a decrease from 76.4% noted in the previous survey period. Specifically, the use of modern methods fell to 51.2%, and traditional methods declined to 16.2%. Additionally, the unmet need for family planning rose to 7.3% over the same period.

The survey outlines that both unmet spacing and limiting needs have risen. While the unmet need for spacing increased to 2.7%, for limiting it escalated to 4.6%. Observations also reveal changes in marriage and fertility patterns, alongside improvements in educational and internet use indicators.

Conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with the International Institute for Population Sciences, NFHS-6 covered numerous households across districts, enhancing understanding of health and welfare dynamics essential for planning and implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)