Family Planning

From the United States Agency for International DevelopmentThe practical, up-to-date guidance in this new handbook will help to improvethe quality of family planning services and maximize people’s access to them.It can help family planning providers to assist clients choosing a family planningmethod, to support effective use, and to solve clients’ problems. Managers andtrainers can use this book, too.While this handbook covers many topics, 4 overall themes emerge:1. Almost everyone can safely use almost any method, and providing mostmethods is usually not complicated. Thus, methods can be made widelyavailable and offered even where health care resources are quite limited.This book defines and explains the many opportunities for people tochoose, start, and change family planning methods appropriately.2. Family planning methods can be effective when properly provided. Forgreatest effectiveness some methods, such as pills and condoms, requirethe user’s conscientious action. The provider’s help and support often canmake the difference, such as discussing common possible side effects. Somemethods require the provider to perform a procedure correctly, such assterilization or IUD insertion. Short of giving instructions on performingprocedures, this handbook offers the guidance and information thatproviders need to support effective and continuing contraceptive use.3. New clients usually come for services with a method already in mind, andthis is usually the best choice for them. Within the broad range of methodsthat a client can use safely, the client’s purposes and preferences shouldgovern family planning decisions. To find and use the most suitable method,a client needs good information and, often, help thinking through choices.This book provides information that client and provider may want toconsider together.4. Many continuing clients need little support, and for them convenient accessis key. For ongoing clients who encounter problems or concerns, helpand support are vital. This handbook provides counseling and treatmentrecommendations for these clients.With the collaboration of the World Health Organization and many organizations,many experts worked together to create this book. The United States Agencyfor International Development is proud to support the work of many of thecontributors’ organizations and the publication of this book, as well as to haveparticipated in developing its content. Together with the providers of familyplanning who use this book, we all endeavor to make the world a better place.James D. Shelton, MDSenior Medical Scientist, Office of Population and Reproductive HealthBureau for Global HealthUnited States Agency for International DevelopmentForewords