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

See Examples For:

family planning

The Department of Health and Human Services posted new guidance for clinics that are dependent on Title X family planning services grants, which could affect clinics when they reapply for funding in January 2027.

From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2026

Their furniture was all in the possession of the family planning officers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2026

Since 1980, Zimbabwe has made progress in educating women on family planning to reduce teenage pregnancy rates.

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

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