In recognition of World Contraception Day, which takes place each year on September 26, the following opinion pieces discuss the importance of family planning on society’s health.

Devex: Why contraceptives? Here are the top 5 benefits
Katja Iversen, CEO of Women Deliver, and Jill Sheffield, founder and president of Women Deliver

“…As the world celebrates World Contraception Day on Sept. 26, it’s worth reviewing some of the ways that access to modern contraception improves not only the lives of girls and women, but also men, boys, and society in general. Here are the top five benefits, in reverse order of importance…” (9/26).

The Hill: Time to invest in international family planning
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)

“…The evidence makes this abundantly clear: family planning is a simple, cost-effective solution that can save lives today, and create a better world for tomorrow. As we honor World Contraception Day, we’re reminded that it’s time to rally bipartisan support for increased funding for international family planning, a human rights cause the United States should back robustly. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the smart thing to do. By improving access to basic and critical services for girls and women, we can create healthier families, stronger communities, and a better world for tomorrow. Now that’s a return on investment” (9/26).

Devex: In family planning, no one-size-fits-all approach
Kellie Sloan, director of family planning at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“On World Contraception Day, it’s important to know where we stand — and where we need to make more progress. Kellie Sloan, newly appointed director of family planning at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, addresses six questions based on feedback from the international development community…” (9/26).

The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.

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