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

The World Health Organisation said that when midwives were educated to international standards — and when midwifery includes family planning — they could prevent more than 80% of maternal deaths, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

They waited until it was completely dark, and did their best to make as little noise as possible so that nobody would notice and report us to the family planning office.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

“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

Many couples born during China's family planning period -- each only children -- are now grappling with the responsibility of raising children while caring for two sets of ageing parents.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

For family planning is the most important planning.

From The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book by Bigelow, William F. (William Frederick)