Summary:

Family planning is all about deciding if and when to have children (and how many). It is achieved through birth control methods and infertility treatments.

For many women around the world, they cannot exercise this choice as they have no access to birth control methods such as condoms or the pill (because they cannot afford it, it goes against their religious beliefs, or as a result of family or societal pressure). Family planning is closely related to gender equality.

A woman's ability to plan, space and limit her pregnancies has a direct impact on her health and wellbeing. Effective family planning leads to safer pregnancies and lower infant and maternal mortality rates, as well as enabling women to continue with education and participate in public and working life. Also, having smaller families allows parents to invest more in each child. Family planning also reduces the risk of unintended pregnancies in women living with HIV; condoms also protect against the spread of STDs.

Several of the children and families featured in Growing up around the World have concerns about family planning. Watch the film clips on Rosemary, Panjy, Erodo, Hayley, Kay Kay and Angela and complete activity 27 to learn more about family planning around the world.