Updated by: Arabinda Naik
The RCH approach is designed to enhance the overall wellness of women and their families. It includes educating individuals about various contraceptive methods to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and promote safe reproductive practices.
Avoiding Unwanted Births: Preventing unintended pregnancies through effective contraception. Facilitating Wanted Births: Helping individuals plan and time pregnancies based on their personal and family needs. Regulating Pregnancy Intervals: Encouraging healthy intervals between pregnancies to support maternal and child health. Controlling Family Size: Educating couples on planning the desired number of children for their families.
India was the first country to launch a national family planning program in 1952. The program evolved in 1977 into a family welfare initiative aimed at improving the quality of life by promoting small family norms. The government introduced slogans such as “Do ya Teen Bas” (Two or Three, Enough) in 1970 and “Daughter or Son - Two Will Do” in 1980, promoting gender equality and proper birth spacing.
Government and non-government organizations have worked to raise awareness about reproduction, sexual health, STDs, and AIDS. These campaigns aim to dispel myths and misconceptions, especially among adolescents, and provide accurate information on reproductive health, safe sexual practices, and hygiene.
Introducing sex education in schools is a crucial step to ensure adolescents understand their bodies, reproductive organs, changes during puberty, and the importance of safe sexual practices. It encourages healthy decision-making and counters misinformation.
Couples in the marriageable age group should be informed about birth control options, the importance of maternal care, postnatal care, breastfeeding, and ensuring equal opportunities for both male and female children.
Effective medical care for reproduction-related issues such as pregnancy, delivery, STDs, abortions, menstrual problems, and infertility is essential. Proper infrastructure and support are necessary for the successful implementation of the RCH program.
Ban on Amniocentesis for Sex Determination
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic technique used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and developmental disorders in a foetus. However, it has been misused for sex determination, leading to female foeticide in some cases. A statutory ban on this practice helps curb female foeticide and protect gender balance.