"Family planning" is a phrase that describes a couple's conscious efforts to control the birth of their children using a variety of means to prevent unplanned pregnancies. While some opponents say that the phrase is a mere euphemism for "birth control," which they oppose for various reasons, other family advocates say that the practice is a thoughtful way to bring children into the world, especially when finances are tight or other issues may be involved. The debate about the appropriateness of family planning continues.
Birth Control And the Church
Some faiths, most notably the Catholic Church, oppose any means that could be used by a couple to prevent a pregnancy, according to Bernadeane Carr. The opinion of the Catholic Church has been that pregnancy should be in the hands of God alone and that humans should not be involved in matters of family planning. As a result, many Catholics struggle to conform to their church's ruling, or practice family planning apart from the Church's approval.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, "the pill," were first introduced in 1960, as a way of empowering women to prevent pregnancy. Since then, the pill has been used as a major form of family planning in Western countries. The pill has its detractors, however, including the Catholic Church, and some health care authorities who claim that use of the pill may be harmful to long term health. Some social critics also claim that the pill set off a socially destructive trend of promiscuity since it freed couples from the fear of pregnancy.
Prophylactic
Prophylactics, or condoms, have been used for birth control and family planning for hundreds of years. Once never discussed in public, talk about and use of condoms has been "normalized." Prophylactics are not always effective in preventing pregnancy but they are seen as one of the simplest, and most affordable forms of family planning control. Use of condoms is now growing in Third World countries as a response to the AIDs/HIV crisis there, according to a United Nations report.
Intrauterine Devices
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are used to prevent pregnancy by disrupting the environment inside a woman's womb. Once inserted in the uterus, no further medications or other efforts need be taken to prevent pregnancy, making it an "easy" family planning method. However, IUDs can be expensive, putting them out of reach of the poor who may need family planning the most. According to Planned Parenthood in 2010, the cost is between $175 and $650.
Voluntary Sterilization
The most radical form of family planning---other than complete abstinence---is voluntary sterilization. Women can have their fallopian tubes severed and "tied," in a procedure that is usually permanent. Men can have their tubes "tied" through severance of the vas deferens. However, there is still a prevailing social stigma about voluntary sterilization, especially among men, that keeps this family planning option from wider use. This method is also expensive--according to Vasectomy.com in 2010, the procedure ranges from $400 to $1,200.
Delaying Childbirth
Some medical authorities, including Toni Weschler, support the family planning concept---and related sex education efforts---because it is in the best interests of women's' health to delay having children until they are at least 18 years of age. Social scientists also have suggested that this delaying measure has a positive effect on the problem of teenage parenting. A child too soon in the marriage can also cause a strain on the marriage.
Spacing Children Wisely
Limited financial means, and an appreciation for childhood development, can often influence parents to plan their family rather than leave the issue up to fate. Spacing children apart by several years, through conscious efforts, can be beneficial in terms of financial development. Spacing children strategically can also have a positive impact on the feelings and development of siblings.
Abstinence
A method of family planning, and birth control, that has been gaining popularity in the first years of the 21st century is abstinence, or not engaging in sexual intercourse at all until marriage or until children are desired. Abstinence is still is the most effective form of family planning available.
References
- Catholic Answers: Birth Control
- "Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health";Toni Weschler; 2006
- PBS: The Pill
- "Handbook of Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare"; Anna Glasier BSc MD DSc FRCOG FFPRHC OBE and Ailsa E. Gebbie MB ChB DCH MRCOG MFFP; 2008
- Women's Health: Birth Control Methods
