Brazil's Changing Family Planning Policy: A First Step?

Abstract

Brazil containing 1/3 of the Latin American population has been pronatalist; the infant mortality rate 110 deaths/1000 live births is among the worlds highest. The 1st major change in 1974 was announced at the World Population Conference in Bucharest: Brazil supported family planning as a basic human right not solely a privilege of the wealthy and it is the states responsibility to provide the information and support required to aid families of limited resources. No state action was taken until 1977. In the interim BEMFAM a private family planning association enrolled 630000 in clinics with 200000 new clients a year. In 1977 the beginning of the program for Prevention of High Risk Pregnancies was announced. The Program is funded for 1978-1981 for 53.3 million cruzeiros ($3.3 million U.S.). High risk is defined as pregnancies with complications resulting in maternal injury fetal or infant death or in the birth of a child with abnormalities. Only 10% of the 750000 women only 54000 women will be eligible for free contraceptive services chiefly oral contraceptives. Contraceptives will be distributed by the Central de Medicamentos. Much criticism has been registered against the program by religious political medical and womens groups. The Minister of Health stated that the program is not to reduce the national birthrate but rather to awaken the sense of parenthood and to reduce the maternal and infant mortality resulting in healthier babies.