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.

---

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

---

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.)

---

Etymology

Origin of family planning

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

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

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

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

China in 2021 further relaxed its strict family planning controls, allowing couples to have three children -- something many couples, especially those living in cities, are reluctant to do.

From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026

For family planning is the most important planning.

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