Why is family planning part of the health department?
The Centers for Disease Control characterizes family planning as one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century. In 1800, women had an average of 7 children; today women average 2.1 children. A woman is fertile for an average of 35 years of her life; if she has two children, she will spend about 30 years of her life avoiding pregnancy. Family planning information and services help individuals maintain their overall health. Family planning improves community health by helping men and women have children when they are physically, emotionally, and financially prepared to take on the responsibility. Family planning information and services help reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy. What is unintended pregnancy? An unintended pregnancy is one that is unwanted or mistimed at the time of conception. It does not mean an unwanted birth or an unloved child. It does mean that there is less opportunity for the parents to prepare physically and financially, take advantage