Title: Family planning and the health of women and children.

POPLINE Document Number: 050445

Author(s):

Winikoff B

Source citation:

TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY, 1987;9(3-4):415-38.

Abstract:

Each year, over 14 million infants and children and more than 1/2 a million women die as an effect of pregnancy: 98% and 99% of these deaths, child and maternal deaths respectively, happen in developing countries. Maternal mortality figures prominently in the number of deaths of young women per year. 1 in every 8 children born alive in a developing country dies before its 5th birthday. Family planning, therefore, could be a very effective means of reducing infant and maternal mortality rates if targeted correctly. A general decline in fertility would help reduce mortality rates, but attention to specific risk areas would also be effective. It known that first births and births to very young mothers produce exceptional risks. Risks are also inherent with closely spaced births. Family services can inform their clients of such risks. However, although family planning can play a significant part in the improvement of women's and children's health status, it is not the sole answer to a complex problem. The maximum benefit of family planning intervention in relationship to maternal and infant mortality is 10-20%, but practical application will probably produce a smaller percentage.

Keywords:

Family Planning
Birth Spacing
Infant Mortality
Mortality Determinants
Maternal Health Services
Maternal Mortality
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Maternal-Child Health Services
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health