Concerned groups have in recent times argued strongly in favour of bringing men
into the centre of debate and research on family planning, population control and the
reproductive health of women. However, women continue as always to be treated as
objects in families and communities, as well as in policies and programmes. The
entire reproductive process from pregnancy to childbirth is a complex phenomenon
that is socially and culturally determined, and women are excluded from decision
making on issues concerning their own lives and bodies. Further, state policies and
contraceptive technologies are mostly targeted at women. The implications of both
social norms and state policies are reflected at the micro level of household. Based on
a larger study, the paper shows that religion is a less influential factor than male
dominance and cultural norms. The provision of better health and medical facilities
by the government could, however, make a big difference to women's health as well
as population control.
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