World Population Day
11 July 2008
"Family Planning - It's a right, let's make it real."
On this year's World Population Day, 11 July, more than 140 countries around the world will put focus on family planning under the theme: "Family Planning - It's a right, let's make it real."
Forty years ago, world leaders proclaimed that individuals have a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children. Forty years later, contraception and family planning information remain out of reach for hundreds of millions of women, men and young people. Unmet need is extreme among the poor and marginalized.
Researchers estimate that universal access to family planning could save the lives of about 175,000 women and prevent 2.7 million infant deaths every year. It can also reduce poverty, slow population growth and ease the pressure on the environment.