Summary

Since the 1950s, there has been unprecedented change in reproductive behavior around the world, in part due to expanded access to modern contraceptive methods. The widespread use of those methods by individuals to bear children at their desired timing and pace reflects the organized efforts of governments, non-profit, and commercial health providers to make contraception acceptable, available, accessible, high-quality, and affordable. The establishment and growth of family planning (FP) programs around the world, and particularly in low- and middle-income countries, have responded to the policies and population circumstances of different regions, countries, and communities over time. Identified as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century, FP continues to face challenges in meeting the reproductive health needs and choices of early 21st-century and future generations of people living in areas with inadequate resources, political commitment, health systems, and social equalities. This review traces the establishment of organized FP programs, their underlying rationales, components and objectives, regional implementation, and future issues and challenges.