The unique role of U.S. foundations in international family planning and reproductive health
Meyer, C.; Seims, S.
Journal of Women's Health 19(11): 2125-2132
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1540-9996 PMID: 20932133 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2061Document Number: 213076
This article reviews the unique historic and contemporary role of U.S. philanthropies in supporting international family planning and reproductive health (FPRH) programs, including how priorities are set, strategies developed, and activities funded. We then discuss the FPRH situation in sub-Saharan Africa today, where needs are the most urgent and where, increasingly, foundations are focusing their resources. We describe one case study exhibiting good philanthropic practice and conclude with thoughts about what the future holds for foundations in international FPRH. We find that as leaders in the field of FPRH, foundations have the ability to stay committed to their goals of championing the reproductive health and rights of individuals under dynamic circumstances. Although every policy environment offers opportunities and constraints, foundations, with their grantee partners, have a range of tools to foster and guide social change. As circumstances change, foundations have to be willing and able both to reassess where they provide added value and to take risks through innovative strategies.