Key Family Planning Insights

This year, EngenderHealth celebrates 65 years of pioneering work.  In recognition of this and of the collective impact that we have had worldwide, we are proud to introduce a new look that truly reflects who EngenderHealth is today: an international reproductive health organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care, ensuring rights, and creating change that lasts in the world’s poorest communities. 

Our core values have not changed. We remain firmly committed to expanding access to family planning while also responding to the comprehensive reproductive health needs of women, men, and adolescents. 

Family Planning Is Needed Now More Than Ever
Time and again, we have proven that even in poor communities, family planning can be safe, effective, and affordable. Still, 350 million couples currently lack access to family planning, while 1 billion 15–24 year olds are entering their reproductive years. We cannot lose focus: Family planning programs must grow by 40% just to respond to existing need. And while family planning programs have made progress, they nevertheless remain fragile: Shifting donor priorities and diseases such as HIV have left programs—even the most successful ones—losing ground or at a standstill.

Comprehensive Programs Work
Throughout our history, we have learned that programs succeed when health care providers are well-trained, health facilities are properly stocked, and systems are in place to maintain supplies. At the same time, communities must be informed about services if they are to use them. With our comprehensive approach, we have successfully introduced and expanded use of long-acting and permanent contraceptives, such as the IUD and vasectomy, in places where their use was never thought possible.

Quality of Care Is Fundamental
Our role in advancing sterilization services, such as tubal ligation and vasectomy, led us to become the authority on clients’ rights and informed choice, safe clinical practices, and quality assurance and management. These are the fundamentals of care. They underlie the success of our broader programs in family planning, maternal health, and HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

More Choice Leads to More Use
There are no magic bullets to making contraceptives accessible to more people. But one key element is choice: The most successful programs offer a range of contraceptives to respond to clients’ changing needs throughout their lives. Today, millions are in need of family planning, including those who have completed their families, and for them, long-acting or permanent methods should be available and safe, no matter where they live.

Gender Matters
Family planning programs must ensure that individuals are making free and fully informed decisions about contraception and their reproductive health. This requires an understanding of the power dynamics between men and women, where men frequently make the decisions about family planning. Efforts cannot solely focus on women; rather, programs should also engage men to become respectful partners in the reproductive health decision-making process.

EngenderHealth has proven throughout its history that when it comes to family planning, the impossible is possible. Yet, our agenda remains unfinished. Family planning is a matter of public health, and its success is inextricably linked to progress the world will make achieving goals related to population, maternal health, HIV, and the environment. We know what it takes to make programs work. With your help, we can continue to engender change, hope, and opportunity for those who need it most.