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Most of the countries with the lowest rates of contraceptive use; highest maternal, infant, and child mortality rates; and highest fertility rates are in Africa.
Approximately 30% of all women use birth control, although over half of all African women would use birth control if it were available. The main problems that prevent access to and use of birth control are unavailability , limited choice of birth control methods, side-effects or fear or side-effects, spousal disapproval or other gender-based barriers, religious concerns, and bias from healthcare providers. There is evidence that increased use of family planning methods decreases maternal and infant mortality rates, improves quality of life for mothers, and stimulates economic development.
Public policies and cultural attitudes play a role in birth control prevalence.