Advocacy for International Family Planning: What Terminology Works?

Faith-Based Advocacy for Family Planning Works: Evidence From Kenya and Zambia

“…Virtually all faith traditions support the concept of healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy, including access to the means for spacing pregnancies. 2,3 It is often assumed that religion has a negative influence on family planning (FP), yet virtually all faith traditions support the concept of healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy. 2 Interfaith support for FP exists, as shown in the Interfaith Declaration to Improve Family Health and Wellbeing, which was signed by a committee of Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist leaders, to promote using their networks to promote healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies.…”

“…The language for FP advocacy requires careful attention to clarity and meaning to avoid misconceptions and misunderstandings. 3 The project started with CCIH's definition of FP 17 :…”

From the Editors

“…The first commentary from Huber et al (2016), at Christian Connections for International Health, agrees that communicating with politically and religiously conservative groups requires careful use of language, and clear explanations of meaning. They suggest that emphasis on language such as "healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy" resonates with policy makers and reinforces the health impact for women and children.…”