family planning

American  

noun

1. the concept or a program of limiting the size of families through the spacing or prevention of pregnancies, especially for economic reasons.

2. (loosely) birth control.

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family planning British  

noun

1. the control of the number of children in a family and of the intervals between them, esp by the use of contraceptives See also birth control

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family planning Cultural  

1. The use of education and birth control to limit the number of offspring and the population of a country. (See population control and Margaret Sanger.)

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Etymology

Origin of family planning

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

“They put all of this fear into it, but family planning isn’t just about preventing pregnancy. It’s about learning about how to build your family.”

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

“Without family planning, you could have an increased number of women die because of deliveries, especially young women.”

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

Other UN organisations affected included those working on peace and democracy, family planning, maternal and child health, and sexual violence in conflict.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

China in 2021 further relaxed its strict family planning controls, allowing couples to have three children -- something many couples, especially those living in cities, are reluctant to do.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

Family life becomes the subject of practical experiences involving family planning, health, psychology, socialized expectations of education, the right to die.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai