MSI is made up of almost 9,000 dedicated professionals fighting for and delivering reproductive choice around the world. As part of our 2023 Annual Review, we featured stories from our healthcare providers, clients, and partners on why and how they choose choice.
Hingis and Sheila are friends who are both MSI clients and university students in Ghana. We spoke to them at their university about their hopes and dreams for the future—and why they choose to use MSI’s sexual and reproductive health services.
H: “There is stigma around contraception here in Ghana. One time, I went to get the morning-after pill at a pharmacy, and they started preaching to me about making better choices. Why would they offer it if they felt this way? I paid for it and quickly left.
I first heard of MSI on social media and got in contact. The woman I spoke to was friendly and told me my options. I wanted to pick a method that wouldn’t disturb my studies. Once I had decided on the method that was best for me, she directed me to the nearest centre for an in-person appointment. The staff there made me feel relaxed and the nurse reassured me that no-one was judging me for being there.”
S: “Having access to contraception from MSI has also helped me to continue as a student. Before I came to MSI, I was scared that family planning wouldn’t work, and I was scared to try it. When I started taking contraception and it worked, I felt so much calmer. I can live without the fear of getting pregnant and dropping out of school. I can focus on my studies better. Without contraception, I would probably be a single mum now—I would have got pregnant too early and would not have been prepared to raise a child. It should be your choice if you want to get pregnant.”
H: “When my friend went in for her abortion, she was scared. But the nurses talked her through it and everything about it was safe and without any complications. I think if she had done it alone then she might have died, had complications or wouldn’t be able to give birth again. Going to MSI was a good thing. Now, she’s at university and working. If she had carried on with the pregnancy, I’m sure she wouldn’t be able to attain what she has now.”
S: “You know, in the next ten years, I’m hoping to be a lawyer. A lot of people in our country need help and I think I can help them. I want to also be a CEO of my own company. My hope for women and girls in Ghana is for everyone to have a bright future. More people know of the importance of contraception now, so there is hope!”
H: “Once I have completed my national service after university, I hope to get a job in a hospital. I have a long way ahead of me with my studies, so it’s important that I have contraception, so that I don’t get pregnant right now. I don’t want to be in a situation that I didn’t choose.
Things are evolving, and access to contraception has helped to close this gap between men and women. Women can now plan when to have kids and when not to. Now, women are out there in the working world. We can be making money, pushing our families to the top and making our country proud.”
Anna chooses choice
Anna provides contraception in Sierra Leone — well known across the country for changing lives.
MSI’s 2023 Annual Review
Inspiring stories, hard-hitting numbers, and the power of reproductive choice: read it all in our latest annual review.
Shanti chooses choice
Shanti is a nurse, team leader, and abortion provider for MSI Nepal.
