Family planning is not a luxury, it’s a lifesaving, cost-cutting, and community-empowering necessity, says United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Asia-Pacific Regional Hub managing director Sumita Benerjee.
Speaking during the launch of the Family Planning Policy and Commitment at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday, Ms Benerjee said family planning prevented around 30 percent of maternal deaths and lowered child mortality by up to 20 percent.
“Family planning plays a critical role in reducing unintended pregnancies and the complications that may arise from it,” she said.
“It reduces the number of high-risk births that arise with pregnancies that are too early, too late or too close together and are not properly spaced.
“So, by enabling individuals to plan their families we can prevent tragic maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, as family planning averts an estimated 30 percent of all maternal deaths, and it reduces child mortality by up to 20 percent.”
Ms Benerjee said family planning was more than just a health service — it was a powerful development tool that delivered long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.
“These are lives that can be saved, these are not just numbers on paper, they are mothers, our sisters, our daughters and our children, and we can save them.
“With the launch of the family planning policy we will be truly doubling down on our dedication to empowering women, girls and young people because this policy enables them to plan their families, to pursue their dreams and to contribute to a healthier and more equitable society.”
She said the policy also made financial sense, saving up to $US11 in health and education costs for every dollar spent.
“It’s actually generating savings which can then be reinvested in other services and other benefits for the people themselves. It champions a non-discrimination policy which means it’s inclusive of people living with disability, inclusive of those who are farthest behind, and it makes sure that services that are provided are available, accessible and of high quality for everyone, everywhere.”
