Policy brief: Designing and implementing high-quality voluntary family planning programs

Authors

Population Council

Document Type

Brief

Publication Date

2012

Abstract

Voluntary high-quality family planning programs reduce poverty and improve women’s and children’s health by speeding fertility declines. They are one of the most cost-effective health and development investments available to governments. But, today, more than 200 million women worldwide lack access to modern contraception. If this unmet need for family planning could be met, 54 million unintended pregnancies, 26 million abortions, more than 79,000 maternal deaths, and 1.1 million infant deaths could be prevented each year. This policy brief states that global interest in family planning is growing as the benefits of family planning programs are becoming increasingly evident. However, this revival has not yet resulted in widespread change in government policies or programs in the countries with the greatest need. A new Population Council book, “Family Planning for the 21st Century: Rationale and Design,” provides a road map to help policymakers and donors of these priority countries implement high-quality family planning programs. The book explains the rationale for increased funding and support for voluntary family planning and outlines how reinvigorated programs should be structured to operate most effectively.

Comments

Also available in Arabic

Recommended Citation

"Policy brief: Designing and implementing high-quality voluntary family planning programs." New York: Population Council, 2012.

DOI

10.31899/rh11.1018

Language

English