Promoting family planning for better health: policy and programme implications

Renewed emphasis is being given to the role of family planning health care programs. This review of the lessons learned during the past decade provides guidance to policy makers and program managers on ways to improve maternal, infant, and child health through family planning and related health and development activities. It covers policies and laws, accessibility to services, acceptability and quality of services, provision for the special needs of high-risk groups, the use of communications programs, the importance of improving the status of women and the quality of life, and the resources needed to implement such a program globally. Practical steps for integrating family planning fully into maternal and child health care are described.