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

In 2027, the guidance explains, Title X will fund “voluntary family planning projects” that offer a broad range of “acceptable and effective family planning method” and services for adolescents and infertility.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

For family planning is the most important planning.

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