Dhaka, April 27 -- Health specialists fear that the ongoing supply crunch of birth control products at government family-planning centres can fuel unwanted pregnancy and subsequent maternal mortality due to abortion.

The government usually provides contraceptives, including condoms, pills, injectables to people, particularly those on low incomes in rural areas

But contraceptive supplies have witnessed a disruption since December 2023 mainly due to lack of pre-assessment and procurement.

The Directorate General of Family Planning assured that it would start resuming the supply of contraceptives in April, but the supplies are yet to reach district and upazila offices.

This supply-side delay has made health experts worried as maternal de...