1.India is first among the countries which adopted an official family planning programme, as early as 1950. However, sixty four years later this has not prevented the population touching the one billion mark.
2.The problem, though very complex, can be discussed under two headings:
(i) the available methods for contraception and
(ii) the users. It will be evident soon that it is much easier to discuss the former rather than the latter
3.A careful choice has to be made among the current available methods, depending on the gender, country, socio-religious and cultural practices
4.the most accepted methods are the two terminal methods, vasectomy in the case of the male, and tubectomy in the case of the female
5.the most accepted methods are the two terminal methods, vasectomy in the case of the male, and tubectomy in the case of the female. These are methods of choice for all those who have completed their family size and to use them is a conscious decision made by the couple. The next most
Commonly used methods are the barrier methods, still popular in spite of a high failure rate. The other methods such as the use of contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices and injectable are used by a relatively small percentage of the population.
6.It is also evident that except for the barrier method and vasectomy there are no methods available for male contraception, in contrast to the variety of methods available and in use for the female
7.The concept of reproductive health recognizes the diversity of the special health needs of women before, during, and beyond child bearing age, as well as the needs of men and the quality of life of the people involved. Considering this new emphasis, it is evident that population control programmes and reproductive health go hand in hand and are interdependent
8.what is wrong with our population control programme is that unless the status of women in society is improved there is no hope of curtailing our population growth. The woman alone should decide what method to choose, when to choose and how many children she wishes to have. Her status in society is the key to the success of the population control programme in India.
9.India’s population growth is a cause of worry, but the problem is not one without solutions. But regulations will not help solve the problem. The sense of responsibility should come from within every individual. While the educated male should change his attitude towards his female counterpart, granting her the dignity which is due to her, there is also an urgent need to change the status of the millions of underprivileged, illiterate women who are discriminated. Unless they are involved in the decision making process, there is little hope for the future.
