Family Planning Is “Critical Link” in Eradicating Poverty

Health experts point out that access to family planning and preventing unwanted pregnancies are essential for sustainable development. Member states of the United Nations last year adopted 17 goals on sustainability, including reducing poverty and inequality, while promoting economic growth and full employment. Family planning is a critical link for each goal, notes Ellen Starbird of USAid, as reported by the Guardian. Countries with unsustainable population expansion confront shortages of basic resources like water and energy. In the article, Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director of the UN Population Fund, describes family planning as a “significant investment to promote human capital development, combat poverty and harness a demographic dividend, thus contributing to equitable and sustainable economic development.” Indonesia hosted the international family planning conference, and the nation’s president announced plans to revitalize family-planning programs. Health officials concede that programs and methods must vary by country and culture. – YaleGlobal