World fertility surveys indicate that anywhere from one third to one half of the babies born in the Third World would not be if their mothers had access to cheap, reliable family planning, had enough personal empowerment to stand up to their husbands and relatives, and could choose their own family size.

World fertility surveys indicate that anywhere from one third to one half of the babies born in the Third World would not be if their mothers had access to cheap, reliable family planning, had enough personal empowerment to stand up to their husbands and relatives, and could choose their own family size.

📖 Donella Meadows

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Environmentalist

🎂 March 13, 1941  –  ⚰️ February 20, 2001
(0 Reviews)

This quote highlights the profound impact of accessible family planning and women's empowerment on global population dynamics. It underscores that many births in the developing world could be avoided if women had the ability to make informed reproductive choices without coercion or dependency. The statistics revealing that a significant portion of children born could be prevented emphasize not just the importance of contraception but also the necessity of societal and cultural shifts that enable women to exercise autonomy over their bodies and family size. Access to affordable reproductive health services is a critical step toward reducing unplanned pregnancies, which often have profound socioeconomic consequences for families and communities. Furthermore, the mention of personal empowerment suggests that societal norms, gender roles, and expectations play a crucial role in reproductive choices. When women are empowered, they can make decisions that align with their health, economic stability, and personal aspirations. These insights point towards a holistic approach to addressing global population concerns — one that combines family planning services with education and gender equality initiatives. Such strategies not only help in managing population growth but also promote social justice and gender rights, ultimately fostering healthier, more equitable societies. Achieving these targets requires international cooperation, cultural sensitivity, and investments in women’s rights and education that enable sustainable development and improved quality of life worldwide.

Page views
0
Update
August 09, 2025

Rate the Quote

Add Comment & Review

User Reviews

Based on 0 reviews
5 Star
0
4 Star
0
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0
Add Comment & Review
We'll never share your email with anyone else.