Modern Considerations for Family Planning

Family planning generally refers to how and when people choose to have (or not have) children. This includes birth control methods, adoption, and surrogacy. Over the years, views on family planning have changed based on shifting priorities, financial concerns, and changing ideologies.

How to approach family planning and what factors to consider is generally a matter of opinion, so there are many different ways to approach it. Reproductive rights laws are constantly changing. For up-to-date legal advice about your family planning options, talk to a reproductive rights attorney.

What Is Family Planning?

Family planning refers to natural and modern contraceptive methods used by people to limit or space pregnancies. Family planning method advancements have given individuals and families more power to decide when or when not to get pregnant. Traditional methods were generally limited to periodic abstinence, withdrawal, and breastfeeding (lactational amenorrhea). Modern methods of contraception include:

• Oral contraceptive pills
• Male and female condom
• Male and female sterilization
• Long-acting reversible contraceptive injectables
• Intra-uterine devices (IUDs)
• Diaphragm
• Emergency contraception

Why Is Family Planning Important?

Individuals and families have many reasons for the use of modern contraceptives. Primarily, it helps avoid unintended pregnancies. Some methods, like the condom, can reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some STDs cause infertility. The use of contraception can also reduce the risk of an unsafe abortion for women in states or countries that prohibit abortions. Reasons for family planning include:

• Avoid unintended pregnancies
• Increased time between pregnancies
• Women in older age groups avoid the increased risk of complications
• Increased risk of chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome
• Pregnancy would put the mother at risk of severe injury or death
• The family is happy with the number of children they have
• Lack of access to healthcare

Does Family Planning Help With Population Growth?

Some people’s views on having children involve concerns about population control or ethical concerns related to climate change. They might view having children as a moral issue. They may not want to add more people to global health. For these reasons, they might remain childless or have fewer children.

Is There a Risk of Genetic Disorders?

Genetic testing and screening can help parents assess their risk of certain genetic disorders. This includes trimester screenings, ultrasounds, diagnostic tests, and blood tests. A doctor or genetic counselor can help parents determine the best action based on the child’s health risks.

Is There a Concern for the Mother’s Safety?

For some women, pregnancy and giving birth is a risk to their reproductive health or safety. It also means giving up their bodily autonomy. Getting pregnant or having a child may limit their needs and goals.

Sometimes, mothers, their partners, and doctors must make tough decisions to preserve maternal health. For the most part, childbirth is safer now than it was for previous generations. However, there are still many challenges, even in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. increased from 23.8 in 2020 to 32.9 in 2021. There is also public health racial disparity in sexual and reproductive health. Black mothers are much more likely to die in childbirth than mothers from other racial groups.

In other countries, maternal death rates are much higher. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the highest rate of maternal death is in low and lower-middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia account for about 87% of global maternal deaths. Poor women in rural areas may not have access to reproductive health services or skilled health care providers.

Is Family Planning at Risk?

Women’s health access for Americans can depend on your age, where you live, and how much money you have. If you are concerned about access to family planning programs, talk to an attorney about your reproductive rights.

Increased LGBTQ+ Family Planning Resources

Adoption and surrogacy have become more accessible for people in the LGBTQ+ community. However, there may still be several obstacles. Some donors might discriminate against prospective parents based on their sexual orientation. Some private adoption agencies can deny applications for this reason.

How Can a Reproductive Rights Attorney Help?

Family planning involves your reproductive right to decide when and if you want to get pregnant or have a child. However, family planning options can be limited depending on where you live. If you have questions about your legal right to contraceptives, abortion, or family planning, consult a reproductive rights attorney.