Artificial family planning, also known as contraception or birth control, is a means by which women and couples use specific medications or equipment to avoid becoming pregnant. Modern contraception can prevent the need for abortions, which in parts of the world may not be practiced safely, notes the Population Information Program. Artificial family planning has additional benefits for women, couples and communities.
Reduce Pregnancies and STDs
While no method of birth control is 100 percent effective, when used correctly birth control can provide a high degree of protection from becoming pregnant via sexual intercourse, reports the American Family of Family Physicians. Natural family planning can help couples learn when pregnancy is most likely, but this practice requires both planning and commitment, warns the AFPF. Regular use of contraception may also help protect individuals from transmitting or obtaining sexually transmitted diseases.
Preserve Resources
Contraception enables women and couples to plan the timing of their pregnancies, states Planned Parenthood. Using modern contraception techniques to plan families can conserve natural resources and improve the economic stability of families and regions, adds Engender Health. The nonprofit warns that worldwide, more than 1 billion people aged 15 to 24 are entering their reproductive years, which will lead to a global population surge through 2050. Of these young people, 80 percent live in developing countries.
Reduce Maternity Mortality and Illness
According to the World Bank, each year over 529,000 women die as a result of complications during pregnancy, childbirth or post-partum recovery. Nearly all of these deaths occur in developing countries. With greater access to contraception, almost one-third of these deaths and illness could be prevented, states Engender Health. In many countries, long-acting and permanent forms of birth control such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, female sterilization and vasectomy are the least obtainable options.
