Family planning is a process in which an individual or couple comes up with a strategy of when to become pregnant and how to use birth control methods to carry out these plans. Family planning is a concept typically used by a couple to control when, how and if they conceive. For this reason, it is not necessarily synonymous with birth control, as adoption, sterilization and abortion also fall under the family planning umbrella.
For couples who may be experiencing difficulty conceiving, family planning may include fertility treatments, assisted reproductive technology, or adoption opportunities. Ongoing counseling is essential for this group as well, especially when considering the emotional impact of fertility treatments and the financial and legal aspects of adoption.
With approximately half of the pregnancies in the United States still considered unintended or unplanned, family planning is an invaluable resource for all people.