Barriers to Reproductive Autonomy: Understanding Family Planning Access and Choice Among Women of Reproductive Age in Osun State, Nigeria

Background Despite significant efforts to expand access to family planning services, women still encounter obstacles to practicing reproductive autonomy in Nigeria. The achievement of universal access to reproductive health care requires recognition and comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors that undermine women’s ability to make informed reproductive decisions. Methods This qualitative research investigated the experiences, perceptions and issues of family planning access and choice by the women in Osun state, Nigeria. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were used in this study. A sample of 25 women in the reproductive age was chosen in Osogbo, Olorunda and Egbedore Local Government Areas. Audio tapes were made of interviews, transcribed, translated thematically and analyzed. Themes and subthemes were created and they were supplemented with illustrative quotes. Results There were five themes, which included - Knowledge of family planning and Autonomy; Attitudes towards family planning; Reproductive Autonomy; Barriers to family planning; and Recommendations for Improving Reproductive Autonomy. Results indicated that the level of awareness regarding family planning was high, but misconceptions and sociocultural constraints were limiting adoption. Dominance by partners, religious and cultural values, and other health system issues also limited the reproductive options. Women realized that they needed community education to be inclusive, spouse support, and quality services. Conclusion Intersecting individual, socio-cultural, and systemic factors influence women to have reproductive autonomy in Osun State. The interventions should be aimed at education, male participation, and health system empowerment to make sure that there is an equal access to family planning and reproductive rights.