Organon, a global biopharmaceutical company, celebrated World Contraception Day recently by putting a spotlight on the importance of women’s reproductive health through an event titled, “I’m Taking Control of My Moves.”
Held in partnership with various women-focused organizations, the gathering underscored the power of technology in helping women make informed choices about contraception and their overall health.
The ceremony, which invited women from across Metro Manila, aimed to raise awareness of the diverse forms of contraceptives available today. Through this initiative, Organon emphasized how technology is now making it easier for women to take control of their health, their future, and their family planning decisions.
Organon: Transforming lives through science-based solutions
Organon’s dedication to women’s health extends beyond providing medical solutions—it’s about championing reproductive rights and empowering women to make informed choices. Access to contraception is not just a health requirement but a fundamental right, and technology plays a pivotal role in making this possible. By leveraging science-based innovations, Organon continues to lead efforts in improving women’s lives, ensuring they have the tools and information necessary to control their reproductive health.
“Family planning is more than just avoiding pregnancy; it’s about planning our futures, both for ourselves and our families. It gives us the power to make informed decisions and helps create a brighter future for our loved ones,” said Carole Lopez, Organon’s External Affairs and Communications Lead for Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The statistics highlight the importance of accessible contraception. Globally, nearly half of all pregnancies—around 121 million annually—are unintended, according to the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA). Tragically, many of these lead to unsafe abortions, contributing to maternal mortality rates. These sobering figures underscore the urgent need for widespread access to family planning methods, an area where technology can bridge the gap and provide life-saving solutions.
In the Philippines, the situation is similarly concerning. Over 50% of pregnancies are unintended, placing the country 56th out of 150 nations in terms of unintended pregnancy rates, with 71 per 1,000 women annually, according to UNFPA data. Teenage pregnancies are especially alarming, with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reporting a 5.4% rate in 2022 among women aged 15 to 19.
The broader impact of reproductive health issues, including contraception access, extends beyond individual cases. In 2023, Standard Chartered made headlines by offering medical benefits related to menopause for employees and their partners, recognizing the need to address health issues that affect women’s careers and leadership potential. Their collaboration with the Financial Services Skills Commission (FSSC) in the UK also examined how menopause affects women in senior leadership roles, further highlighting how critical it is to prioritize women’s health throughout their lives.
This growing awareness aligns with Organon’s mission, showing that addressing women’s reproductive health isn’t just a matter of healthcare — it’s a broader societal issue that technology, policy, and corporate commitment can help solve.
Family planning as a shared responsibility
At the event, obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr. Cristina Crisologo delivered a lecture on modern family planning methods, discussing how these options work, their effectiveness, and where they can be accessed. Dr. Crisologo stressed the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before choosing a method, as contraceptive needs vary among individuals.
She also emphasized that family planning is a shared responsibility between men and women, advocating for men to explore contraceptive options as well.
“Consulting a healthcare professional before choosing a family planning method should be a priority,” Dr. Crisologo said. “There are several misconceptions about contraceptives that need to be addressed, and healthcare professionals can help clear them up. Both women and men should be responsible for family planning because everyone has the right to choose when they are ready to start a family.”
The event was not just about awareness but also about engagement. Attendees participated in an energizing Zumba session led by TV host and dancer Regine Tolentino. Organon also hosted a Zumba competition, where women used dance to raise awareness about family planning.
Participants led by Dr. Cristina Crisologo during the commitment exercise
A commitment exercise was also held, allowing attendees to reflect on their health journeys and pledge to break the stigma surrounding contraception and reproductive health.
Introducing a new app: “Her Health Finder“
A key technological highlight of the event was the launch of Her Health Finder, an innovative tool designed to connect women with nearby doctors and clinics specializing in women’s health.
Developed in collaboration with the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), Her Health Finder addresses a significant barrier in women’s reproductive health: knowing where to access medical help.
This user-friendly tool simplifies the process by allowing women to enter their location and receive a list of local health centers, bringing them one step closer to taking control of their reproductive health.
With tools like Her Health Finder, technology is becoming a vital ally in empowering women to manage their health proactively. Organon’s event not only celebrated World Contraception Day but also demonstrated how tech-based solutions can bridge gaps in healthcare access.
By embracing both science and technology, Organon continues to lead the way in improving women’s health globally.
To learn more about Organon and its initiatives, visit www.organon.com.