Family Planning and the Millennium Development Goals

Abstract

To alleviate global poverty, investments and partnerships in family planning are needed.

Trends in National Family Planning Programs, 1999, 2004 and 2009

“…[4][5][6][7] An increase in contraceptive use can lead to declines in child mortality and in maternal mortality (MDGs 4 and 5), not only by preventing unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions, but also by modifying the mix of pregnancies to avert those that are at highest risk, thus lowering average death rates. [8][9][10] MDG 5 also includes full access to reproductive health care, as well as increased contraceptive use and the reduction of unmet need for contraception.…”

A study on influence of education and occupation on family planning practices in rural Shamirpet, R.R. District, T.S., India.

“…Population explosion is a problem, the effects of which are worldwide demanding the attention of all nations East & West, large and small, developed and developing. Family planning has been acknowledged as an important intervention towards achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) four (4) and five (5) as it has proven to reduce maternal and child mortality 1,2,3 . Family planning can prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.…”

“…Family planning can prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Some family planning methods such as condom usage can protect individuals from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS 1,2,3 . Family planning has also been found to promote gender equality as well as promote educational and economic empowerment for women 4 .…”

Family planning and the post-2015 development agenda

“…In 2010, a summary of the evidence showed family planning's connection to all eight Millennium Development Goals. 1 A multitude of stakeholders have since advocated for family planning to be prioritized within the next global development agenda. These calls have come not only from the reproductive health community but also from heads of state and key decision-makers in developing countries, global policy-makers, major funders and groups representing and serving women around the world.…”

“…As the development framework becomes broader, the extensive ripple effect of family planning's benefits remains clear. Evidence made available since the published summary in 2010 1 continues to confirm that family planning has an impact on global goals that will remain after 2015 -e.g. poverty reduction, gender equity, and improvements in education, health and environmental conservation.…”