Health and family planning. Reconsidering the evolution of ideas
Quist, C.; Cales, D.
Contraception Fertilite Sexualite 4(1a): 19-23
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-861X PMID: 12229492 Document Number: 108459
The effect of family planning on the health of the family unit, on social and economic development, and the role of family planning in a public health program are considered. It is concluded that apparently women with yearly pregnancies and a large number of children can be a factor of disequilibrium in their families, irrespective of whether they are satisfied with having a large family. A high birthrate had been proved one of the consequences of underdevelopment, rather than its cause; however, a family planning program that is well understood and well integrated in an overall development policy can contribute to development by reducing an excessive population growth and by improving individual and community health conditions. Family planning should be fully integrated within public health preventive programs, covering nutrition, maternal and child health care, and health education.