Hesperian Health Guides

Choosing to use family planning

In this chapter:

a woman thinking while both a priest and a health worker talk to her from opposite sides You have a right to make your own decisions about family planning.

Some people want a lot of children—especially in communities where poor people are denied a fair share of land, resources, and social benefits. This is because children help with work and provide care for their parents in old age. In these places, having just a few children may be a privilege only wealthier people can afford.

Others want to limit the number of children they have. This often happens where women have opportunities to study and earn income, and where they can negotiate with men in a more equal way.

No matter where you live, you will be healthier if you have control over how many children you have and when you have them. Deciding to use—or not to use—family planning should always be the choice of the person who can become pregnant.

This page was updated:17 May 2024