Bringing faith back into the family planning conversation

Posted by: davidjolson | 01/25/2010

Bringing faith back into the family planning conversation

The following post was submitted by Lauren Van Enk of the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University.

When you think of faith-based organizations (FBOs) and family planning what comes to mind? Chances are it’s not that:

FBOs are providing over 40% of healthcare services in some developing countries.[1]
FBOs have been expanding access to effective family planning methods to unreached communities for over 30 years.
FBOs have historically been in the forefront of service delivery and social movements in development.
A 2008 Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) survey of FBO attitudes and programs found that many FBOs in Africa and elsewhere would like to expand their family planning services and are seeking resources to do so. For more information, go to CCIH’s website.

In the wake of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s call to action for universal reproductive health on Jan. 8, it is important to hear from each partner engaged in making this a reality. Expanding family planning options for couples requires commitment from all sectors of society, including FBOs. Tomorrow, Jan. 26, experts will share their experiences working for, or in partnership with, faith-based organizations to expand access to family planning around the world.

Speakers include:

Victoria Jennings, PhD, Director, Institute for Reproductive Health, Georgetown University
Douglas Huber, MD, Msc, Reproductive Health Consultant and Co-Chair of the CCIH Family Planning/Reproductive Health working group
Henry Mosley, MD, MPH, Professor Emeritus, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Heath, Johns Hopkins University

Go the GHC website to get more details on this event. If you can’t make it to the event in person, the entire briefing will be filmed and will be posted to the GHC media site within a few days.

[1] 1. Bandy G, Crouch A, et al, 2008. Building From Common Foundations: the World Health Organization and faith-based organizations. Eds. Karpf T and Ross A. World Health Organization.