Introducing Norplant: Politics of Coercion

Abstract

NORPLANT, an implant which when inserted in a woman's body prevents conception for five years if it is not removed, is to be introduced into the Indian family planning programme in selected centres. This has provoked much debate and not all are happy with this decision. It is often assumed that Norplant is just another contraceptive technology and if it is inserted with proper training and with care it will be an ideal contraceptive device that is needed badly by women. Such assumptions do not interrogate the functioning of technology nor its
potential to become an oppressive tool. Women need access to safe contraceptive technologies but Norplant is hardly a solution as it is most likely to cause imbalance in menstrual cycle apart from other side effects.