Family Planning Information, Education and Communication: Current Activities in the People's Republic of China

Based on observation of family planning activities in China in 1989 and 1990, this article takes a close look at education and publicity to promote family planning. Today these activities rely heavily on modern communication technology, especially TV and video, and continue to reflect an urban bias in content. The absence of male involvement in family planning was also noted. Family planning education has been strengthened in certain areas with the "five phases" approach and with the organization of "key households." The Family Planning Association with is 200,000 grassroots associations throughout the country and its 17,000,000 members has greatly increased the manpower pool for the delivery of educational services. It has also been instrumental in developing insurance schemes for one child families, and in some areas the primary function of Association members is surveillance aimed at detecting unplanned pregnancies. There is a need for improved training in the development of educational materials for family planning and in the provision of contraceptive services in rural areas.