Saad News: Arman-e Melli has examined the warnings regarding the increase in the spread of AIDS with the implementation of the "Population Youth Plan."
According to a report by Saad News, quoting from Qatar, the following is mentioned:
Masoud Mardani, a member of the National AIDS Control Committee, pointed out several important issues in an interview with ILNA:
He believes that the limitations on contraception will lead to an increase in AIDS cases, adding: "The Population Youth Plan is entirely unprofessional and should even be repealed and reconsidered."
According to Masoud Mardani, the restrictions placed on contraceptive methods in Iran, aimed at increasing the population, can lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, contributing to the increase in HIV cases in the country.
These remarks were made in a context where the 11th parliament was heavily pursuing the "Population and Increase of Population Plan." This plan was approved by the Guardian Council on November 1.
The plan, which was approved under Article 85 in a joint commission without being discussed in the public session of parliament, offers financial and employment incentives to those who have children. Alongside these financial incentives, it limits and bans methods of contraception and abortion. This law now limits the availability of contraceptive drugs in pharmacies and bans the free distribution and encouragement of the use of contraception in the country's healthcare system.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health has prohibited the use of terms such as "high-risk pregnancy." Masoud Mardani, a member of the National AIDS Control Committee, mentioned: "One of the methods of preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, is using contraceptive devices, and banning these methods undermines years of efforts to institutionalize this issue in the country and makes our youth highly vulnerable to HIV, which will lead to an increase in HIV cases."
Another concern in this context is the rise in illegal abortions. The head of the Special Commission on Population and Family Excellence provides alarming statistics on abortion in the country. Azam Al-Sadat Mousavi claims that "400,000 illegal abortions occur annually in the country." This comes as experts estimate that the actual numbers are two to three times higher, and with the restrictions on contraceptive methods, this number is expected to increase.
Hamed Barkati, the population sector head at the Ministry of Health, noted that population growth has dropped below one percent, and the demographic window is closing. He said the ministry no longer provides contraceptive services and has abandoned its previous recommendation of a three-year gap between children. However, Azam Al-Sadat Mousavi, the head of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, believes that "women's pregnancies should be planned and not accidental, to prevent them from resorting to abortion."
Furthermore, support for pregnant women is a factor that can help prevent abortions. The existence of psychological counseling centers for women who do not wish to continue their pregnancy could also have an impact in this regard.
