In the developing world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths has been slow. One reason for the persistently high maternal and newborn mortality rates is the lack of access to family planning for those women who want to delay or prevent pregnancy. Family planning through eliminating unintended pregnancies reduces maternal and newborn mortality rates and improves the health and well-being of women and their existing children.

This report is designed as a general resource to help family planning program managers strengthen their programs and meet growing family planning needs. It offers a broad overview of key programmatic considerations, lists of practical specialized resources, and hands-on tools that are available online.