Family planning helps deter population growth.
Family planning is gradually becoming more emphasized across the world---especially with the continuous rise in population. As of 2010, there are an estimated 270 births every second, while only 90 deaths to match---meaning there is an estimated growth of 180 people worldwide every second. Family planning methods offer many advantages, but several disadvantages, as well.
Population Control
One of the most prominent and reported side effects of family planning is population control. As every person consumes resources, continuous growth can mean that some people could potentially run out of basic resources of which to live. Around the year 1000 AD, there were an estimated 100 million people in the world; currently there are over 6 billion people. Global family planning can help control the world's rapidly rising population.
Control
For families, the greatest aspect of family planning is control. By using family planning techniques, couples can choose when they want to have families---they can choose the time that they are more capable of caring for a family, both mentally and financially. This can allow children to be raised in a less stressful environment, which sometimes accompanies unplanned pregnancies.
Variety
Although a few types of birth control have been used throughout history, during the latter half of the 20th Century many new forms became available offering many options for family planning. Birth control ranges from pills and shots, to barrier methods and natural techniques.
Clinics
Since family planning has become a government agenda in many countries there are clinics where anyone can seek advice and guidance about planning a family. These clinics are available all over the United States and have counselors to guide people in choosing birth control methods that are suitable for them. They perform a variety of health treatments---including different types of testing---to ensure that babies are delivered in the healthiest manner possible. These clinics are federally funded and offer solutions at a reduced price, or at no cost, in many cases.
Disadvantages
Although there are relatively few disadvantages to family planning, there are still a few notable exceptions. Many birth control methods offer side effects that can negatively affect the health of women taking them. They often affect hormones and can lead to weight gain, among other things. There are some religions that ban birth control and encourage natural family planning instead. Natural family planning is not a form of birth control and is, therefore, less effective at preventing pregnancy.
