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

Notably, a major role of Title X funding is providing family planning services, including contraception.

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

“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

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