Fertility control and regulation is a contentious issue, with a rich history of practices,
philosophies and influences which impact significantly on women’s health. Maternal health
is a priority research area for Timor-Leste (Deen et al, 2013). This study was partially funded
by Marie Stopes International Timor-Leste (MSITL). It aimed to gain insight and
understanding into women’s knowledge of family planning using modern methods of
contraception (MMC), as well as identify potential barriers to these family planning methods.
In doing so, this study aimed to provide the background necessary for the tailoring and
improvement of culturally appropriate family planning services, access and resources, both at
MSITL and in government and non-government health care providers, ultimately improving
maternal health and contributing to decreasing maternal mortality. This study will build upon
research already conducted in Timor-Leste in the area of women’s health (see Bernardo,
2005; Niner, 2011; Belton, Whittaker & Barclay, 2009b; Richards,2010a; Van Shoor, 2003
and Wild, 2009), as well as complement knowledge gained through the Demographic and
Health Survey Timor-Leste 2010 (DHS, 2010) and recent studies by ‘Care’ (Dawson &
Waters, 2013), and Health Alliance International (HAI, Berthiaume et al, 2011).