Family Planning and Economic Development

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Family Planning and Economic Development

Family planning should be a very important factor in economic development of the nations, because it controls population growth. According to Gertler, Paul and Molyneaux, “Population control is a key element in a country’s ability to maintain and improve its economic and social welfare.”(Gertler, Paul, and Molyneaux) If a country’s population exceeds its economy, the people of that country suffer. Many countries, especially those which are underdeveloped, are exploring several methods to control their population growth. Their goal is sustainable population growth and a healthy economy.

Gertler, Paul, and Molyneaux categorized these methods into two groups. “Natural methods control the population growth by avoiding sexual intimacy during the window of fertility; therefore, pregnancy can be avoided.” (Gertler, Paul, and Molyneaux) It is preferable because it has no negative effects to the body of the users. The second method is the contraceptive method. It is an artificial method that uses chemical substances to regulate the fertility cycle. It is my thought a third method could be added, the method of “sensibilization;” meaning, people populating an area fully understand the importance of family planning in their development, and in doing so, control population growth. In order to make this method attractive, monetary rewards could be awarded to encourage population control.

A consequence of uncontrolled population growth drains resources that could be otherwise used to build a sound economy based on education. It has been observed that the population growth is high in countries which also have many health and economic problems. Take for example many African countries such as Rwanda, t...

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...cterized Rwanda for much too long. Rwanda, like Indonesia, after adopting family planning programs, now begins to develop.

It is important for a country to use family planning rather than staying with a large population that can challenge its economic development. Indonesia’s progress and development concerning family planning provides an excellent example for other over-populated countries to mimic. I call on underdeveloped countries to adopt family planning as one of the best methods leading to their development, economic growth, and sustainability.

Works Cited

Gertler, Paul, and John Molyneaux. "How Economic Development and Family Planning Programs Combined to Reduce Indonesia Fertility." Demography, Vol. 31.1 (1994) 33-63. 26 Oct 2008. .

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