Significance of Planned Parenthood Highlighted on World Population Day

On World Population Day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda stressed the significance of planned parenthood for maternal and child health. He highlighted the theme of this year's observance, which focuses on the healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies. Nadda's remarks underscore the need for informed decisions regarding parenthood, emphasizing the importance of physical and emotional readiness. Poonam Muttreja from the Population Foundation of India called for a shift in focus from population numbers to women's empowerment, advocating for quality healthcare and education. The conversation around India's population should center on possibilities rather than crises, aiming for shared responsibility and gender equality in policy-making.
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Significance of Planned Parenthood Highlighted on World Population Day

World Population Day Emphasizes Maternal and Child Health


New Delhi, July 11: Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the critical role of planned parenthood in ensuring positive outcomes for maternal and child health during the observance of World Population Day on Friday.


Celebrated annually on July 11, this year's theme focuses on the "Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy for the Health and Well-being of Mother and Child."


Nadda remarked on social media platform X that World Population Day acts as a vital platform for raising awareness about family planning and reaffirming our dedication to tackling population-related issues.


He further noted that this year's theme underscores the significance of planned parenthood in achieving healthy maternal and child health outcomes.


The Union Health Minister highlighted the slogan for this year: “माँ बनने की उम्र वही, जब तन और मन की तैयारी सही,” which translates to "the right age to become a mother is when both mind and body are prepared."


Nadda explained that this slogan stresses the necessity of making informed and empowered decisions regarding parenthood, ensuring both physical and emotional readiness.


He mentioned that public health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, are providing essential family planning services nationwide.


According to Nadda, these centers are empowering families and contributing to a healthier India.


With a population exceeding 1.46 billion, India is currently the most populous nation, surpassing China.


Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, stated that discussions should transition from mere numbers to the empowerment of women.


She remarked, "India’s population narrative is not one of crisis but of potential, provided we invest in women, youth, and address the needs of our aging population."


Highlighting the declining fertility rate, Muttreja emphasized the need for a focus on quality healthcare, education, skill development, and job creation. She asserted that true progress and economic growth stem from empowering individuals, particularly women, to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives.


Muttreja called for shared responsibility, gender equality, and reproductive autonomy in the formulation of policies and programs.


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