Family Planning 101

Currently, approximately 214 million women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries want to avoid pregnancy, yet are not using a modern contraceptive method.  Additionally, within the next decade, a record number of adolescents in the low-resource regions will enter their reproductive years. In the future, as in the past, family planning (FP) will help save the lives of countless women and children, and will help alleviate poverty, reduce stress on the environment, and ensure that families are better able to feed, clothe, and educate their children.

This course provides an overview of the basic information relevant to FP programs and services, including rationale for voluntary FP, contraceptive method considerations, contraceptive options (including short-acting, long-acting, and permanent methods), and FP for clients with special needs. It also addresses quality of services and access to care, as well as contraceptive security. Finally, the course highlights key tools to facilitate service delivery, client counseling, and provider training.