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

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

From Salon • Feb. 9, 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

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

“It’s the entire family planning budget that has gone,” she said.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2025

Every married couple should put themselves in the hands of a physician whom they respect and admire, making him an indispensable third partner to their family planning.

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