Trend of Unmet Need for Family Planning in Northeast and Selected States of India (NFHS 1993-2021)

This study explores the trends and disparities in unmet family planning needs across eight Northeastern states of India using data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted between 1993 and 2021. Despite India’s early adoption of a national family planning program in 1952, significant gaps persist particularly in the Northeastern region concerning access to and utilization of contraceptive services. The analysis focuses on both spacing and limiting methods among currently married women aged 15–49, highlighting persistent regional inequalities. Meghalaya consistently reports higher levels of unmet need, peaking at 35 percent during NFHS-2 and NFHS-3, decreasing during NFHS-4, and rising again to 26.9 percent in NFHS-5. In contrast, states such as Tripura and Sikkim demonstrate relatively lower levels of unmet need, possibly reflecting better access to family planning services. A secondary data based analytical approach is adopted, integrating quantitative NFHS data with qualitative insights to explore the regional disparities in family planning uptake. The study emphasizes the need for region-specific, culturally sensitive policies to effectively address these disparities. Bridging these gaps is vital for enhancing reproductive, maternal, and child health outcomes, while also advancing broader development goals including gender equality, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Improved access to contraception fosters informed reproductive choices, better educational and financial opportunities especially for marginalized communities and contributes to population stabilization. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to promote social equity, and sustainable development in the Northeastern states of India.