The ability of an individual or a couple to anticipate and achieve their desired number of children as well as the spacing and timing of their births is referred to as family planning.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in order to treat unintended infertility, contraceptive methods and modern and natural contraceptives must be used, as family planning is now widely accepted on a global scale.
According to University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), COVID-19 lockdowns are believed to have caused an estimated 214,000 unplanned births this year, increasing the country's total birth rate to about 1.9 million (PopDev Caraga, n.d.). This means that, given the rise in teen pregnancies, the topic of family planning should interest us all.
As we can see, young women nowadays "normalize" getting pregnant before turning 20, yet by doing so, they risk missing out on the chance to live the healthiest, most fulfilling lives possible. The major cause of death for teenage girls in low- and middle-income nations is complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Unplanned pregnancies also affect young women's goals in various ways. Pregnant teenagers commonly drop out of school, lowering their future earning potential and are at high risk for intergenerational malnutrition problems in their families. We're all aware that the subject of contraception is still up for debate, especially in regards to young people. In order to prevent it is important to educate people, especially young individuals, about the advantages of family planning (Alaska's Department of Health, n.d.).
Nutrition is indirectly impacted by family planning because it has an effect on how infants and early children are nourished. Mothers who spread out their pregnancies have more time, energy, and resources available to adequately breastfeed and raise their newborn infants. Since a healthy mother will give birth to a healthy child, programs that incorporate nutrition should be implemented that will improve pregnancy and birth outcomes and reduce rates of stunting, wasting, and infant mortality.
Without a doubt, family planning is one of the most important investments mothers can make in health and the futures of their children. As it can empower a woman and improve her life through better health, more income and educational attainment, and greater involvement in her community. #Athena Khorrainne A. Albastro/ NASLabordo
References:
DOH, n.d. What is Family Planning? https://doh.gov.ph/faqs/What-is-family-planning
Alaska, Department of Health, n.d. Why is family planning important to you as an individual? https://health.alaska.gov/dph/wcfh/Pages/informedconsent/familyplanning/importance.aspx
Popcom, Caraga, n.d. Teen pregnancies in PH surge under coronavirus lockdowns. https://caraga.popcom.gov.ph/teen-pregnancies-in-ph-surge-under-coronavirus-lockdowns/
