How ChatGPT is Providing Alternative Support Avenues for Family Planning Needs of Postpartum Women in Resource-constrained Areas of India

The Hidden Crisis in Family Planning

In the rural outskirts of New Delhi, Meena (name changed) sits with her six-month-old baby. Like many new mothers in resource-constrained areas of India, she has questions about family planning but nowhere to turn.

"The doctor gave me two minutes during my last check-up," she explains. "I couldn't ask all my questions. And at home? These topics are taboo."

Meena's experience reflects a widespread problem across rural and semi-urban India. Women often lack adequate time with healthcare providers to discuss family planning options. Many face pressure from family members who exert control over reproductive decisions, while cultural stigmas create barriers to seeking information independently.

A Digital Solution for a Sensitive Problem?

Could artificial intelligence provide an answer? Researchers at IIIT Delhi believe it might.

A groundbreaking study led by Jasmeet Kaur and Pushpendra Singh has explored whether ChatGPT—an AI chatbot—could serve as a confidential resource for postpartum women seeking family planning information.

"We're witnessing rapid deployment of AI in healthcare globally," explains Singh. "But there's been little research on how these technologies might serve populations with limited digital and health literacy."

The Study: Real Women, Real Questions

The research team conducted one-on-one sessions with eight postpartum women from resource-constrained communities. During these sessions, participants interacted with ChatGPT, asking their family planning questions while researchers observed.

"We wanted to understand the raw, unfiltered experience," says Kaur. "Could women with limited digital literacy navigate this technology? Would they trust the information? Would they feel comfortable asking sensitive questions?"

Privacy: A Digital Safe Space

The findings revealed both promise and limitations. Most strikingly, women valued ChatGPT's anonymity.

"No one judges me here," one participant commented during the study. "I can ask things I would never ask my mother-in-law or even the ASHA worker [community health worker] who visits our village."

This privacy created a sense of empowerment—a rare commodity for women who often have limited autonomy over their reproductive health decisions.

Barriers Remain

However, significant challenges emerged. Language proved a major obstacle—ChatGPT sometimes responded in languages participants couldn't understand, requiring them to seek help from others and thus undermining the privacy benefit.

"I needed my nephew to help read some answers," explained one participant. "But then I couldn't ask my real questions."

Women also struggled with framing queries effectively. When ChatGPT failed to provide useful information, participants often blamed themselves rather than the technology.

Trust Through Verification

Interestingly, women developed sophisticated strategies for evaluating ChatGPT's reliability. Many cross-referenced information with existing knowledge or other sources before trusting the AI's guidance.

"I asked about the copper-T [IUD] because I already knew something about it," shared a participant. "When ChatGPT gave correct information, I felt I could trust it for other questions too."

The Way Forward

The researchers have developed recommendations for AI tools designed for similar contexts:

1. Embrace a pluralistic approach: Technologies must accommodate varying levels of digital and health literacy
2. Focus on education, not personalized advice: AI can be valuable for general information while clearly indicating when to consult healthcare providers
3. Cultural sensitivity is paramount: Systems must be designed with awareness of local myths, misconceptions, and linguistic preferences

"We're not suggesting ChatGPT should replace healthcare workers," emphasizes Singh. "But in communities where women have limited options, AI could provide a critical first layer of information access."

A Bridge, Not a Solution

The study opens new possibilities for using AI to support reproductive health in underserved communities. However, the researchers caution against seeing technology as a complete solution.

"ChatGPT is promising, but it's not enough on its own," concludes Kaur. "The real solution requires strengthening healthcare systems, challenging cultural taboos, and empowering women to make informed choices."

For Meena and millions like her, the journey to reproductive autonomy remains complex. But perhaps, with thoughtfully designed technology as one tool among many, that journey might become a little easier.