For university students Hingis and Sheila, access to contraception isn’t just about preventing pregnancy – it's about securing their futures. As young women in Ghana, they’ve faced stigma and misinformation, but through MSI, they’ve found support, confidence, and control over their choices.
Breaking the stigma
“There is stigma around contraception here in Ghana,” Hingis shares. “I once 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.”
For Hingis, finding MSI on social media was a turning point. “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.”
A future without fear
Sheila had her own doubts about contraception.
“Before MSI, I was scared family planning wouldn’t work and I was scared to try it. But once I started, 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.”
For both women, access to reproductive healthcare has allowed them to focus on their ambitions. “My friend had an abortion at MSI, and she was terrified,” Hingis recalls. “But the nurses reassured her. It was safe, with no complications. Now she’s at university and working—without MSI, that wouldn’t have been possible.”
"Before MSI, I was scared family planning wouldn’t work and I was scared to try it. But once I started, 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.”
Dreams beyond barriers
In ten years, Sheila hopes to be a lawyer and a CEO.
“Many people in our country need help, and I want to be part of that change. My hope for women in Ghana is that we all have the opportunity to build the futures we want.”
For Hingis, becoming a healthcare professional is her goal.
“I have a long way to go in my studies, so contraception is essential for me. I don’t want to be in a situation I didn’t choose. Women are out in the working world now, pushing their families forward and making our country proud. Access to contraception helps us close the gap and take control of our futures.”
Every donation helps us to provide life-changing contraception options to women like Hingis and Sheila. Will you join us?
