Can you imagine what your life would be like without access to contraception? Melinda Gates says: "The decision about whether and when to get pregnant was a decision that Bill and I made based on what was right for me and what was right for our family—and that’s something I feel lucky about. There are still over 225 million women around the world who don’t have access to the modern contraceptives they need to make these decisions for themselves."
"When women are able to plan their pregnancies around their goals for themselves and their families, they are also better able to finish their education, earn an income, and fully participate in their communities. And not only do moms benefit; their kids benefit, too. In communities where women have access to contraceptives, children stay in school longer, and entire families are healthier, wealthier and far better equipped to break the cycle of poverty." Read more via National Geographic.
(Photo courtesy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of Sushila, a 28-year-old teacher from India who's using contraceptives to plan her family and her future. As soon as both of her kids are in school, Sushila plans to return to work.