15 Ways Family Planning Can Contribute To Sustainability

Sustainability as defined by the UN Brundtland Commission is “…meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

This definition of sustainability incorporates economic, ecological, social, cultural and political factors.

By supporting research and funding for family planning you are helping to support the following changes necessary for sustainable development:

1. Lessened pressure on social services
2. Reduced stigma around contraceptive use
3. Improved family economic status, through increased opportunity for
employment generating activities
4. Increased engagement in community activities and initiatives
5. Improved availability and access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food
6. Reduced pressure on arable land by decreasing demand for food
7. Decreased prevalence of hunger related disease
8. Reduction in maternal mortality, high-risk pregnancies and unsafe abortions
9. Improved sexual health of youth and adults
10. Reduction of incidences of new HIV/AIDS cases
11. Positive self-esteem
12. A 16-29% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions associated with slowing
population growth
13. Better access to education opportunities for youth and adults
14. Lessened pressure on fresh water resources
15. Protection of biodiversity, through decreased demand for undeveloped land

Learn more from the United Nations Population Fund at www.unfpa.org and WINGS Guatemala at http://wingsguate.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html
Get in contact with passionate individuals like you by checking out the Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/UoGFamPlan