Family Planning
Family planning refers to the planning of when to have children and the use of birth control. It allows individuals and couples to anticipate and have their desired number of children, and to achieve healthy spacing and timing of their births. Family planning is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility. Other techniques commonly used include sexuality education, prevention, and management of sexually transmitted infections, pre-conception counseling and management, and infertility management.
There are strong links between family planning and improvements in child health and survival. There are two key means by which access to contraception can positively influence the health and well-being of children:
Empowering people and enhancing education: Family planning helps people make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Family planning represents an opportunity for women for enhanced education and participation in public life, including paid employment in non-family organizations.
Prevention of HIV and AIDS: Family planning lowers the risk of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV, resulting in fewer infected babies and orphans. Additionally, male and female condoms protect against unintended pregnancies as well as STIs including HIV.
Reducing adolescent pregnancies: Pregnant adolescents are more likely to have preterm or low birth-weight babies. Babies born to adolescents have higher rates of neonatal mortality. Many adolescent girls who become pregnant have to leave school. This has long term implications for them as individuals, their families, and communities.
