Family planning is a method of planning for children, rather than preventing them, and includes all forms of birth control. It can also refer to methods of terminating pregnancy, surgical sterilization, and non-artificial contraceptive methods. Family planning clinics offer these services for free or at low cost, including counseling and information about sexual health.
The term family planning is sometimes used interchangeably with the term birth control, although there are some differences between the two terms. While birth control is something anyone can use to prevent pregnancy, family planning is seen as something monogamous couples use to temporarily delay pregnancy. In this way, it is seen as a method of planning for, rather than preventing, children. This method is seen as the responsible choice for couples who are not ready to have children now but may want to in the future.
Family planning includes all methods of birth control, from the pill to condoms, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectable hormonal contraceptives and diaphragms, caps, and spermicides. Depending on the area, it may also refer to methods used to terminate a pregnancy or possible pregnancy, such as abortion and emergency contraception. It can also refer to surgical sterilization methods, including vasectomy and tubal ligation; and non-surgical sterilization methods such as Essure®.
Family planning is also the preferred term for religious couples who do not approve of the use of artificial contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. In this case, the term refers exclusively to techniques such as temporary abstinence, the withdrawal method or the rhythm method, in which no outside interference is used. While family planning clinics do not favor one method over another, they are usually able to accommodate most preferences and beliefs.
Family planning clinics in most countries offer these services free or at low cost to everyone, including adolescents under 16 without parental consent. In addition to birth control counseling, clinics may also offer free pregnancy tests, sexual abuse and pre-abortion counseling, no-scalpel vasectomy procedures, and information about STDs. Most clinics do not deal with HIV patients, but would be able to provide referrals to those who need one. Many offer a wide variety of sexual health consultations, from helping teenagers choose the right contraceptive method to women needing emergency contraception.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
