On World Vasectomy Day, 2016 we must reiterate that all methods of contraception need to be voluntary and based on the specific need of each individual opting for it. Dr Doug Stein and Mr Jonathan Stack founded the first World Vasectomy Dayin 2013 -and set out to inspire more than 100 doctors in 25 countries to do a 1,000 vasectomies. The key take away for India on World Vasectomy day is to prioritise men’s participation in family planning. We need to stop referring to family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights, as women's issues. They are as much men's issues, they are society’s issues; they are moral issues; they are ethical issues; they are issues of social justice and human dignity.

Family planning is important since it is directly linked to the health of women, children and families. The Indian government has estimated that if the current unmet need for family planning could be fulfilled within the next five years, the country can avert 35,000 maternal deaths and 12 lakh infant deaths. Sustained engagement of men in health and family planning not just as clients of family planning and reproductive health services, but as responsible partner to women, has the potential to improve access and use of family planning services and to bridge the gap of unmet need of contraception (12.8% - According to NFHS 3). Evidences suggest that male engagement in family planning could act as a catalyst in improving contraceptive uptake in already aware and willing population (women according to NFHS-3) besides system issues such as accessibility availability etc.

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