Family

Planning
By John Paul J. Del Mundo

Introduction
Family planning in some countries implies
birth control and family limitation. However, in
the Philippines, family planning connotes
none of these, for birth control and family
limitation could mean the practice of abortion,
infanticide and the killing of the aged and
firm. More synonymous with the concept of
the family planning in the Philippines is
contraception and planned or responsible
parenthood.

Contraception & Responsible

Parenthood
Contraception means prevention of
unwanted pregnancy.

Responsible Parenthood means

responsible precreation and socialization
of children.

What is Family Planning?

Family planning define as the process by
which responsible couples determine by
themselves the timing, spacing and number
of children they would have depending on
their circumstances.
It is also define as responsible parenthood
for it seeks to prepare married couples for
the responsibility of rearing a child who can
be properly fed, clothed and educated.

Views on Family Planning

Religious View
All the major religions of the world believe in
the guiding principle that a couple has the
right to limit family size. However, continuing
disagreement are still present over which
methods are acceptable and which are not.

Religious Views

The Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic is not against family
planning per se but categorically and clearly
condemns the use of artificial methods as it is
objectively against the natural laws.

Humanae Vitae Encyclical

1. It believes in the sacredness of human life and
the need for responsibility in the use of sex in
marriage.
2. It believes that parents have mission of
responsible parenthood.
3. It believes that man must use his conscience in
procreation.
4. It accepts the use of therapeutic means
necessary to cure illness even if it prevents
procreation.

The Protestant Churches

All forms of contraceptive are accepted by the
Protestant churches in the Philippines.
They believing in responsible parenthood, they
adhere to the principle of God and as such,
parents are responsible to God and to society for
their well being.
The Baptist, the Lutheran, the Presbyterian and
the Episcopalian churches are known to
supporting movement and even starting the
family planning movement in the Philippines.

Secular Views
Majority Group
The majority group feels that there is really a
need for family planning and that the
government and the Roman Catholic Church
should support the governments family
planning project.

 The Study conducted by Gloria Feliciano

showed that Filipino women no know and
approve the contraceptive methods with
rural women favoring the pill and urban
ones resorting to rhythm.
Another study by Concepcion and
Hendershot shows that the motivation for
small families is sufficient and the only thing
that prevents reduction in fertility is the
absence or inaccessibility of contraceptive
information and services.

Secular Views
Minority Group
Some minority groups, particularly traditionalist,
feel that the family planning in the developing world
would inevitably lead to collapse of the family moral
fiber and that it would encourage parents to limit
their children for frivolous and selfish reasons.
They also fear that the parents would trade
responsibility of a large number of children for the
opportunity of acquiring the needless gadgetry of
an advancing consumer economy.

Government Position in Family

Planning

Government support of family planning is

reflected in Article XV, section 10 of the
Constitution of the State to achieve and
maintain population levels most
conductive to the national welfare.

 According to Section II, Rule VII,

Book III of the implementing Rules,
the Labor Code of the Philippines
requires the employers who employ
more than 200 workers in any locality
to provide for family planning services
to their employees and their spouses.

History of Family Planning

The population control policy then was
limit the family size to the replacement
level among the poor families was revived
by one Reverend Housely in Pampanga in
1920.
This was followed by the family planning
activities of Presbyterian ministers and
some non-Catholics from 1939 to 1948.

 In February 1969, the government

took a giant step to the cause of the
family planning by establishing the
Commission on Population
(POPCOM). This commission offered
logistics, personnel and policy support
to the family planning program.
In 1971, the Population Center
Foundation was created to assess
and evaluate the family planning
activities of the private and public
sectors.

On the Family Level

Studies conducted by various social
scientists show the disadvantages of big
family size. Studies showed that:
1. As the birth interval decrease, there is a
corresponding decrease in the weight of
children.
2. As family size increases, there is a
corresponding decline in the quality and
quantity of dietary intake.

3. As the family size increases, there is a

corresponding decrease in the food, educational,
medical expenditures per head, per family.
4. As the family increases, the bigger is the
disparity between the family income and family
expenditures. Expenditures being higher than the
income.
5. When combined with poverty, large family size
and closely spaced pregnancies hamper the
development of childrens cognitive, verbal and
motivational capacities as well as their health
and physical development.

6. Mothers of many children tend to have

poor health and the incidence of prematurity and malformation is higher in
children.
7. Large family size correlated with
malnutrition, with infection and poor
mental and social development.
8. The health of the father as well as the
mother-and-child suffer because of the
enormous pressure on large families. Selfimprovement and social development are
seriously limited and the emotional climate
in the house becomes intolerable.

The Individual and Family Planning

There are four common factors that affect a
persons decision to practice family
planning:
1. Knowledge
The knowledge of family planning methods,
production and the knowledge of how to use the
contraceptive effectively are very basic to the
persons decision to practice family planning.

2. Availability
A person cannot practice family
planning unless the means to it are
available. Contraceptives are generally
known to the individual, however, the
individual must have the resources to
obtain them.
3. Values, Motivation and Needs
The persons decision to practice
family planning depends on his felt
need for it.

4. Social Support
the social and psychological
surroundings of the person exert a powerful
influence on the lifestyle of the persons.

What is RH Bill?
The Reproductive Health (RH) bill promotes
information on and access to both natural and
modern family planning methods, which are
medically safe and legally permissible.
It proposes that the Philippine government and
the private sector will fund and undertake
widespread distribution of family planning
devices such as condoms, birth control pills
(BCPs) and IUDs.

What is RH Bill?
It assures an enabling environment where
women and couples have the freedom of
informed choice on the mode of family planning
they want to adopt based on their needs,
personal convictions and religious beliefs. The
bill does not have any bias for or against either
natural or modern family planning. Both modes
are contraceptive methods. Their common
purpose is to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

COVERAGE OF RH BILL
1. Information and access to natural and modern
family planning.
2. Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition.
3. Promotion of breast feeding.
4. Prevention of abortion and management of
post-abortion complications.
5. Adolescent and youth health.
6. Prevention and management of reproductive
tract infections, HIV/AIDS and STDs.

COVERAGE OF RH BILL
7.
Elimination of violence against women.
8.
Counseling on sexuality and sexual and
reproductive health.
9.
Treatment of breast and reproductive tract
cancers.
10. Male involvement and participation in RH.
11. Prevention and treatment of infertility.
12. Age-appropriate reproductive health and
sexuality education from fifth grade to high school.

Contraceptive Methods
1. The Birth Control Pills

It is made up of synthetic estrogen and

progestine hormone resembling the
hormones produced by the female.
the pill prevents the production of a ripe egg,
thus preventing pregnancy.

How does the pill work?

Stops ovulation
Thins uterine lining
Thickens cervical mucus

Positive Benefits of Birth Control

Pills
Prevents pregnancy
Eases menstrual
cramps
Shortens period
Regulates period

Decreases incidence of
ovarian cysts
Prevents ovarian and
uterine cancer
Decreases acne

Side-effects
Breast tenderness
Nausea
Increase in
headaches

Moodiness
Weight change
Spotting

Taking the Pill

Once a day at the same time everyday
Use condoms for first month
Use condoms when on antibiotics
Use condoms for 1 week if you miss a pill
or take one late
The pill offers no protection from STDs

2. Depo- Provera
Birth control shot given once every three
months to prevent pregnancy
99.7% effective preventing pregnancy
No daily pills to remember

How does the shot work?

Stops ovulation
Stops menstrual cycles!!
Thickens cervical mucus

Can Any Woman Use DepoProvera?

Most women can use Depo-Provera.
However, it is not recommended for women
who have:
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Liver disease
Breast cancer
Blood clots

SIDE EFFECTS
Extremely irregular menstrual bleeding and
spotting for 3-6 months!

NO PERIOD after 3-6 months

Weight change
Breast tenderness
Mood change
*NOT EVERY WOMAN HAS SIDE-EFFECTS!

3. IMPLANTS
Implants are placed in the body filled with
hormone that prevents pregnancy
Physically inserted in simple 15 minute
outpatient procedure
Plastic capsules the size of paper
matchsticks inserted under the skin in the
arm
99.95% effectiveness rate

Norplant I
Six capsules
Five years

vs.

Norplant II
Two capsules
Three years

Norplant Implant

Norplant Considerations
Should be considered long term birth
control
Requires no upkeep
Extremely effective in pregnancy
prevention > 99%

How Safe is the Birth Control

Implant?
Most women can use the birth control implant
safely. But all medications have some risks, so
safety is a concern when choosing a birth control
method. Talk with your health care provider
about your health and whether the implant is
likely to be safe for you. You should not use the
implant if you are pregnant or have breast
cancer.

What Are the Benefits of the

Birth Control Implant?
The ability to become pregnant returns quickly when you
stop using the implant.
It can be used while breastfeeding.
It can be used by women who cannot take estrogen.
It gives continuous long-lasting birth control without
sterilization.
There is no medicine to take every day.
Nothing needs to be put in place before vaginal
intercourse.

4. Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception pills can
reduce the chance of a pregnancy by
75% if taken within 72 hours of
unprotected sex!

Emergency Contraception
(ECP)
Must be taken within 72 hours of the act of
unprotected intercourse or failure of
contraception method
Must receive ECP from a physician
75 84% effective in reducing pregnancy

ECP
Floods the ovaries with high amount of
hormone and prevents ovulation
Alters the environment of the uterus,
making it disruptive to the egg and sperm
Two sets of pills taken exactly 12 hours
apart

SIDE EFFECTS
an earlier or later, heavier or lighter period
than usual.
breast tenderness, dizziness, or
headaches, and
nausea or vomiting. If you vomit within two
hours of taking the pill(s), it won't be
effective and you need to take it again.

5. BARRIER METHODS
Prevents pregnancy blocks the egg and
sperm from meeting
Barrier methods have higher failure rates
than hormonal methods due to design and
human error

Types of Barrier Method

Spermicides
Male Condom
Diaphragm
Cervical Cap

SPERMICIDES
Spermicides are chemical contraceptives that kill
or immobilize the sperms after their entry into
the vagina and womb.
Different forms:
-Jelly
-Film
-Foam
-Suppository
Some work instantly, others require pre-insertion
Only 76% effective (used alone), should be used
in combination with another method i.e.,
condoms

SPERMICIDES

CONDOMS
The condoms is a synthetic rubber
sheath worn over the penis during
copulation to prevent the sperm from
entering the female womb.

MALE CONDOM
Most common and effective barrier
method when used properly
Latex and Polyurethane should only be
used in the prevention of pregnancy and
spread of STIs (including HIV)

MALE CONDOM
Perfect effectiveness rate = 97%
Typical effectiveness rate = 88%
Latex and polyurethane condoms are
available
Combining condoms with spermicides
raises effectiveness levels to 99%

What Are the Benefits of

Condoms?
let men help prevent pregnancy and
sexually transmitted infections
are inexpensive and easy to get
are lightweight and disposable
do not require a prescription
can help relieve premature ejaculation

DIAPRAGHM
Perfect Effectiveness Rate = 94%
Typical Effectiveness Rate = 80%
Latex barrier placed inside vagina during
intercourse
Fitted by physician
Spermicidal jelly before insertion
Inserted up to 18 hours before intercourse
and can be left in for a total of 24 hours

DIAPHRAGM

What Are the Disadvantages of

the Diaphragm?
may be difficult for some women to insert
may be pushed out of place by some
penis sizes, heavy thrusting, and certain
sexual positions
must be in place every time a woman has
vaginal intercourse may need to be.

CERVICAL CAP
Latex barrier inserted in vagina before
intercourse
Caps around cervix with suction
Fill with spermicidal jelly prior to use
Can be left in body for up to a total of 48 hours
Must be left in place six hours after sexual
intercourse
Perfect effectiveness rate = 91%
Typical effectiveness rate = 80%

What Are the Disadvantages of

the Cervical Cap?
cannot be used during menstruation
may be difficult for some women to insert
may be pushed out of place by some penis
sizes, heavy thrusting, and certain sexual
positions
must be in place every time a woman has
vaginal intercourse
may need to be replaced with a slightly larger
cap after

6. INTRAUTERINE DEVICES
(IUD)
T-shaped object placed in the uterus to
prevent pregnancy
Must be on period during insertion
A Natural childbirth required to use
IUD
Extremely effective without using
hormones > 97 %
Must be in monogamous relationship

Copper T vs.. Progestasert

10 years
99.2 % effective
Copper on IUD acts as
spermicide, IUD blocks
egg from implanting
Must check string
before sex and after
shedding of uterine
lining.

1 year
98% effective
T shaped plastic that
releases hormones over
a one year time frame
Thickens mucus, blocking
egg
Check string before sex &
after shedding of uterine
lining.

What Are the Disadvantages of

an IUD?
mild to moderate pain when the IUD is put
in
cramping or backache for a few days
spotting between periods in the first 36
months
irregular periods in the first 36 months
heavier periods and worse menstrual

STERILIZATION
Sterilizations a form of contraception which
involves the permanent cutting or tying of
fallopian tube or vas deferens to prevent
meeting the egg and the sperm.
Procedure performed on a man or a woman
permanently sterilizes
Female = Tubal Ligation
Male = Vasectomy

TUBAL LIGATION
Surgical procedure performed on a
woman
Fallopian tubes are cut, tied, cauterized,
prevents eggs from reaching sperm
Failure rates vary by procedure, from
0.8%-3.7%
May experience heavier periods

LAPAROSCOPY-BAND-AID
STERILIZATION

VASECTOMY
Male sterilization procedure
Ligation of Vas Deferens tube
No-scalpel technique available
Faster and easier recovery than a tubal
ligation
Failure rate = 0.1%, more effective than
female sterilization

VASECTOMY

7. METHODS BASED ON
INFORMATION

Withdrawal
Natural Family Planning
Fertility Awareness Method
Rhythm
Abstinence

WITHDRAWAL
Removal of penis from the vagina before
ejaculation occurs
NOT a sufficient method of birth control by
itself
Effectiveness rate is 80% (very
unpredictable in teens, wide variation)
1 of 5 women practicing withdrawal
become pregnant
Very difficult for a male to control

What Are the Disadvantages of

Withdrawal?

requires great self-control, experience, and trust.

is not for men who ejaculate prematurely.
is not for men who don't know when to pull out.
is not recommended for teens and sexually
inexperienced men because it takes lots of
experience before a man can be sure to know
when he's going to ejaculate.

Natural Family Planning &

Fertility Awareness Method
Women take a class on the menstrual cycle to
calculate more fertile times
Requires special equipment and cannot be selftaught
NFP abstains from sex during the calculated
fertile time
FAM uses barrier methods during fertile time
Perfect effectiveness rate = 91%
Typical effectiveness rate = 75%
No 100% safe day-irregular periods

RHYTHM

Rhythm is the most widely approved

contraception.
It is based on the principle that a woman
produces only one ripe egg every month that
can live and can be fertilized within 24 hours.
Sperms in the other hand, can live in the
womb of the woman for 48 hours after
ejaculation.

RHYTHM
There are 3 methods which can be
practiced to determine the safe and
unsafe periods. These are the calendar
method, the temperature method and the
ovulation method.

Abstinence
Only 100% method of birth control
Abstinence is when partners do not
engage in sexual intercourse
Communication between partners is
important for those practicing abstinence
to be successful

Reasons for abstaining

Moral or religious values
Personal beliefs
Medical reasons
Not feeling ready for an emotional,
intimate relationship
Future plans

Evaluation of the Family Planning

Program
The NAS (National Acceptor Survey) study
shows that the reduction of fertility following
acceptance of contraceptives varied
considerably by methods.
Fertility reduction was highest in the Central
Visayas and Greater Manila, among the
highly educated acceptors, non-manual
workers, urban dwellers and people who
received their first methods from doctors.

Family planning has become necessary in

the Philippines because of the possibility
that, unless controlled, the population would
rise to 98 million by the year 2000. a very
large population will be economically
crippling because it will increase the
government budget for education, health,
and other services which are inadequate
ever for todays population. The subsistence
level, as the need for satisfactory quality of
life, like housing and environment needs, will
be very acute unless the growth of population
is controlled.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Couples who not use birth

control have a 85% chance
of a pregnancy within the
first year.