Looking at family planning in the context of women's reproductive health and particular life circumstances. Moving beyond maternal and child health to give more attention to adolescents and older women. Interventions during adolescence are critical and can help break the cycle of poverty, unwanted pregnancy, and limited educational and economic opportunity. To a large extent, adolescence sets the stage for health and nutritional status in the later years, yet health policies and programs have not been oriented toward addressing the needs of this group. Improvements in women's health, while beneficial in their own right, contribute to development through improved productivity, reduced costs of medical care, and a healthier generation to follow.
Women comprise over one-half the human race.
Investing in their health is an investment in development today. It is also an investment in the generations of tomorrow.