Are We For Population Freedom Or Population Control..!!

“Talking about population doesn’t mean control. It’s not about dictating how many children someone should have. It is about being knowledgeable about the decisions we’re making so we can make healthy decisions for a better future.” Says, Katie Elmore at Population Media Center

Every year on July 11, the United Nations World Population Day aims to raise awareness about population related issues since 1989.

The theme for 2012 is “Universal Access to Reproductive Health Services”. The UNFPA vision aims for a world where every pregnancy is wanted, and every child’s potential is fulfilled. The ultimate aim of universal access to reproductive health by 2015 seems far away but we are progressing. Reproductive health related problems are the leading cause of illness and death for women of childbearing age worldwide.

Have a look at the UN estimates. They are staggering!

The figures are depressing. However it brings to fore how unsuccessful we have been in providing the very basic healthcare options globally. All the trumpets of development elucidated time and again with data and figures will ring hollow unless the basic is ensured for everyone. But even before that, people must know about their bodies, about the choices available to them and only a healthy mother today will ensure a healthy generation tomorrow.

Planned education including education on sexual and reproductive health would go a long way in empowering people to make the right choices about issues like marriage, family planning etc. A simple fact is that if women bear children before the age of say 20 or 21 then chances of a healthy offspring decreases dramatically. Knowledge itself does not heal, it empowers decision making.