Elements of Family Planning Success

Funding for international family planning programs in developing countries has declined by 30% since the mid-1990s. Decisions by policymakers and donors to reduce investments in contraceptive services and supplies were based on plausible-sounding—but misguided—arguments. In this article, the Population Council’s John Bongaarts and co-author Steven W. Sinding aim to set the record straight and to urge that family planning become a higher priority on the international development agenda.