Summary

In 1947, when India became independent, fertility was high with couples averaging six children. The population was burgeoning, public health facilities were minimal and life expectancy was low. Having too many children and too soon was becoming detrimental to women's health. A group of concerned women decided to address the issue. It resulted in the establishment of the Family Planning Association of India (FPA India) in 1949. FPA India was instrumental in advocating for family planning to be introduced in the country's first Five Year Plan (1952). Thus, India became the first country in the world to have a family planning programme. Currently, FPA India is a premier civil society organisation delivering essential health services focusing on sexual and reproductive health in over 18 states and union territories of India, in regions where key developmental indicators are poor and gender disparities are high.

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