THE PHILIPPINE FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAM (PFPP)

The family planning program started in the 1970s as a family planning service delivery component to achieve fertility reduction.
It has evolved to its present-day health orientation of improving the health of woman and children and has been integrated with
other RH programs giving importance to recognizing choice and rights of FP users.

The National Family planning policy, articulated through A.O. 50-A, s. 2001, asserts that family planning as a health intervention
shall be made available to all men and women of reproductive age (15-44 years old). FP is a means to prevent high-risk
pregnancies brought about by the following conditions:

1. Being too young (less than 18 years old) or too old (over 34 years old);
2. Having had too many (4 or more) pregnancies;
3. Having closely spaced (too close) pregnancies (less than 36 months); and
4. Being too ill or unhealthy/ too sick or having an existing disease or disorder like iron deficiency anemia (DOH, 2001).

Four pillars of the PFPP

1. Responsible parenthood. This refers to the will and ability to respond to the needs and aspirations of the family.
2. Respect for life. The 1987 constitution protects the life of the unborn from the moment of conception. FP aims to
prevent abortions, thereby saving lives of both women and children.
3. Birth spacing. Proper spacing of 3-5 years from a recent pregnancy enables a woman to recover from pregnancy and to
improve her well-being, the health of the child, and the relationship between parents and children.
4. Informed choice. Couples and individuals are fully informed on the different modern FP methods.

Client counseling and assessment

Family planning counseling is a client centered, face-to-face, interactive communication process between the health service
provider and the client that helps then latter to make free and informed choices regarding one`s fertility intention or plan.

Counseling must be based on client needs, the following are the essential content of the nurse-client interaction regarding the
chosen method (DOH, 2006)

1. Effectiveness;
2. Advantages and disadvantages;
3. Possible side effects, complications, and signs that require an immediate visit to the health facility;
4. How to use the chosen methods;
5. Prevention of STIs, and
6. When to return to the health facility.

GATHER steps in counseling new clients for family planning

 Greet clients in an open, respectful manner.
 Ask clients about themselves.
 Tell clients about choices.
 Help clients make informed choices.
 Explain fully how to use the chosen method.
 Return visit should be welcome.