Family planning services include information, counseling, and the administration of contraceptives to help couples decide when or if they want to have children. Healthy babies and fewer medical problems for the mother are the outcomes of planned pregnancies spaced two or more years apart. Family planning enables couples and individuals to safeguard their and their families' well-being.

Family planning is one of the most important investments for the future of the next generation, women's rights, and health. But what would happen if family planning interventions didn’t exist?

1. Complications during pregnancy

Studies have shown that women with more than four children are more likely to experience death from pregnancy. Benefits to both the mothers and babies come from helping women avoid getting pregnant too soon, too late, or too frequently. Family planning helps in protecting women against any risks to their health that may occur before, during, or following childbirth. These health risks include Infections, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

2. Adolescent pregnancy will increase

The chances of eclampsia, puerperal endometritis, and systemic infections are higher in teenage moms (10–19 years old) than in women aged 20–24, and the risks of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and severe neonatal conditions are higher in an infant of a teenage mother. 

Teenagers can be protected against the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of an unplanned pregnancy by using family planning, particularly contraception.

3. Financial Distress

Unplanned pregnancies may have financial consequences. Families with more children than they can afford may have problems with money, which might result in higher rates of poverty. This can put pressure on social welfare programs and increase economic inequality.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDs, will not be prevented

In addition to lowering the transmission of HIV/AIDS and avoiding the spread of STIs, family planning initiatives are important. The incidence of STIs and HIV/AIDS may increase without these measures.

5. It will stop the country’s social and economic development and security

Due to the demand for limited resources like food, housing, schools, and employment, high population growth affects the economic development of developing countries. Population growth that is unsustainable and rapid makes societies more unstable and increases the likelihood of societal chaos.

Every August of each year, the Philippines observes National Family Planning Month to increase public awareness of the role that family planning plays in promoting population health and well-being. 

If you want to know more about family planning, you can visit the nearest health center or visit https://www.usaptayosafp.com.ph  (PIA-NCR)