Family Planning: Between Rejection And Acceptance In Islam

Abstract

Understanding the beliefs, traditions, norms and core values of individuals and communities is a crucial factor for health workers and policy makers to impact positively on their communities. This paper reviewed the historical development of family planning and the population control movements, the importance and Islamic perspectives/Muslims perceptions of the concepts. This review article emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of the Islamic perspective of family planning by health workers to assist them in developing and applying appropriate strategies for advocacy, sensitization and community mobilization for the acceptance and utilization of family planning services in predominant Muslim communities. Strategy for effective implementation of family planning programmes in predominant Muslim communities was carefully appraised. This discourse therefore was written to improve the knowledge and sharpen the skill of health workers who are likely to work in such communities for effective negotiation and application of appropriate strategies.

Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 11 (2) 2008: pp. 41-44