Title: Singapore: Family planning in an urban environment.

POPLINE Document Number: 734909

Author(s):

Thomson GG
Smith TE

Source citation:

In: Smith, T.E., ed. The politics of family planning in the third world. London, George Allen and Unwin, 1973. p. 217-255

Abstract:

The history of the development and growth of family planning activities in Singapore from the mid-1930's to the end of 1972 is described. A major portion of the historical narrative is given over to the efforts of the IPPF affiliate, the Singapore Family Planning Association (FPA) as the sole major organization conducting family planning activities in Singapore in the first 20 years following the end of World War 2; although the FPA was a recipient of a government grant that reached $100,000 annually by 1959. The inadequacy of the FPA program, coupled with the growing realization of the high cost of providing schools, health services and housing to a rapidly expanding population led to the formal commitment to family planning by the ruling People's Action Party in 1959. Due to the need to educate the public on family planning and to consider political factors, the start of the Government family planning program was delayed until 1966. Although some data on the results of the highly successful Government family planning program is provided, the main thrust of the historical account after 1966 is the description of the gradual formulation of family planning policy through the interplay of political interests. Thus, a description is given of the decision reached through political consensus to make abortion complementary to the main family planning methods of contraception and sterilization due to popular opposition and to the fear that there would be an increased dependence on abortion instead of contraception for controlling family size. The adoption of disincentives in housing and in maternity medical care to further discourage large families is also described.

Keywords:

Singapore
Family Planning Programs
Political Factors
Incentives
Population Policy
Asia, Southern
Funds
Developed Countries
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Family Planning
Programs
Organization and Administration
Policy
Social Policy
Developing Countries
Financial Activities
Economic Factors