Family Planning Programs - An Opportunity to Integrate Preconception Health Services into Primary Health Care

A life-course approach to enhancing maternal and child health by improving parental health prior to conception is gaining international interest. Healthcare providers and researchers are seeking effective ways to increase women's and men's access to preconception care, especially through primary care. At the same time, preconception health includes conversations about pregnancy planning (or avoidance), which is a part of family planning (FP) services. Unfortunately, "family planning" has the same meaning as "contraception" for many people at the moment, which is too simplistic because there are multiple aspects of preconception health and well-being. Expanding the understanding of preconception health as inclusive of FP and primary care has the potential to increase access to this important care while respecting sexual and reproductive rights, according to a couple's reproductive plans. Conclusion: Respecting the sexual and reproductive rights of the population requires that FP programs be focused not only on contraception but, equally, on preconception care.