Religious Leaders Preaching Family Planning

Washington, DC - January 16, 2007

Religious leaders are often among the most influential members of their communities. When they promote sound reproductive health practices and unite with health care providers, they can help make monumental strides toward ensuring reproductive health for all.

A new family planning program in Pakistan has clerics distributing contraceptives and literature on safe sex—a great example of the important role religious leaders can play in the fight against HIV/AIDS and in expanding access to reproductive health care. Armed with evidence-based information and adequate supplies, religious leaders and institutions can be a powerful ally in stemming maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as in helping prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Religious leaders advocating family planning are making an impact. Iran has implemented an extremely successful family planning program, issuing religious rulings that reassure patients that they are acting within the guidelines of Islam. Thailand carefully considered Buddhist values when formulating its successful promotional campaign advocating family planning and contraceptive use. And the Christian Health Association of Ghana collaborated with Pathfinder International to develop a comprehensive program that included abstinence and safe sex education, as well as condom distribution. These unique programs—from very different parts of the world—showcase the positive impact collaboration can have on expanding access to reproductive health.

The success or failure of reproductive health programs hinge on how well they are received by the community. Support from religious leaders can generate greater acceptance of programs and lead to greater success than could be achieved by family planning advocates alone.

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.