Brazil announces family planning programme in 1981

The Brazilian Minister of Health, Waldyr Arcoverde, announced in December that the government will implement a national family planning program in 1981. O Globo and Jornal do Brasil, the 2 main national newspapers, report that according to the information given by the Minister, the program will offer all contraceptive methods including male and female sterilizations. Sterilizations will be provided free-of-charge by INAMPS, the national hospital system. Contraceptive services are being provided in order to reduce illegal abortions, the practice of which is widespread throughout the country.