Family planning in Iran

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Iran had a comprehensive and effective program of family planning since the beginning of the 1990s. [1] While Iran's population grew at a rate of more than 3% per year between 1956 and 1986, the growth rate began to decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s after the government initiated a major population control program. By 2007 the growth rate had declined to 0.7 percent per year, with a birth rate of 17 per 1,000 persons and a death rate of 6 per 1,000. [2] Reports by the UN show birth control policies in Iran to be effective with the country topping the list of greatest fertility decreases. UN's Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs says that between 1975 and 1980, the total fertility number was 6.5. The projected level for Iran's 2005 to 2010 birth rate is fewer than two. [3]

Contents

In late July 2012, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei described Iran's contraceptive services as "wrong," and Iranian authorities are slashing birth-control programs in what one Western newspaper (USA Today) describes as a "major reversal" of its long standing policy. Whether program cuts and high-level appeals for bigger families will be successful is still unclear. [4]

History

Changes in population of Iran Iran Population (1880-2016).jpg
Changes in population of Iran
Population pyramid of Iran, showing a spike of births around 1988 Iran-age-pyramid.svg
Population pyramid of Iran, showing a spike of births around 1988

Pre-revolutionary era

According to Dr Malek Afzali, Iran's deputy minister for research and technology in the Ministry of Health, before the Islamic Revolution, there was family planning but "people did not accept it." [5]

The Tehran Declaration of 1967 claimed that family planning was a human right, and arranged for the creation of both a Family Planning Division as part of the Ministry of Health and a High Council for the Coordination of Family Planning. These programs were responsible for 2,000 nationwide clinics distributing forms of birth control [6]

Khomeini Era and pro-natalism

Following the creation of the Islamic Republic; family planning clinics of the Shah were dismantled "on the grounds that Islam and Iran needed a large population." [7] The Majlis passed many pro-natalist laws during this era, like the lowering of marriage age to nine years old for girls and fourteen years old for boys, the legalization of polygamy, the artificial inflation of birth control pill price from one hundred rials to one thousand rials per pack, and the creation of the Iranian Marriage foundation which provided newlyweds with furniture to ensure more people could get married and reproduce [8]

Iran's population boom started before the 1979 Islamic Revolution (in 1976 the fertility rate was 6 children/woman [9] ). Data show that Iran's population doubled in just 20 years—from 27 million in 1968 to 55 million in 1988.

At one point in the 1980s estimates predicted that Iran's population would reach 108 million by the year 2006.

Rafsanjani era and decreasing natality

Following the war with Iraq, the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, and taking office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in 1989, a sharp change was made in Iran's population policy. Realizing "the costs of this burgeoning population were going to far exceed its capacity to provide adequate food, education, housing and employment", [10] Iran's government "declared that Islam favored families with only two children", as one historian put it. [11] Iran's Health Ministry launched a nationwide campaign and introduced contraceptives—pills, condoms, IUDs, implants, tubal ligations, and vasectomies. [12]

In 1993, Parliament passed further legislation withdrawing food coupons, paid maternity leave, and social welfare subsidies after the third child for government and para-government employees. The backlash to this law was severe and application of it remains limited. [13] Birth control classes were required before a couple could get married. Dozens of mobile teams were sent to remote parts of the country to offer free vasectomies and tubal ligations. [12]

By 2001, an Iranian condom factory - the first of its kind in the Middle East [14] - produced more than 70 million condoms a year, "packaged in French or English to suggest that they are imported", according to a foreign reporter. [12] By this time Iran's population growth rate had dropped from an all-time high of 3.2% in 1986 to just 1.2%, one of the fastest drops ever recorded. [15] In reducing its population growth to this level—a rate that is only slightly higher than that of the United States—Iran emerged as a model for other countries that want to lessen the risk of overpopulation. In 2007 Iran's Total Fertility Rate had dropped to 1.71 with a net out-migration of 4.29 ‰ (and population 65 M).

Explaining the change in religious doctrine on population during a birth control workshop in 1995, Deputy Health Minister Husein Malek-Afzali stated "Islam is a flexible religion". [12]

Reversal to pro-natalism

A call for a reversal of Iran's existing policy of "two children is enough" came in October 2006 due to perilously low fertility rates in Iran that had started to cause negative population growth as in other low-fertility countries. [16] Iran's President Ahmadinejad called for an increase in Iran's population from 70 to 120 million.

I am against saying that two children are enough. Our country has a lot of capacity. ... for many children to grow in it. ... Westerners have got problems. Because their population growth is negative, they are worried and fear that if our population increases, we will triumph over them. [17]

Critics reacted by noting that Iran was struggling with surging inflation and rising unemployment, estimated at around 11%, [17] and that a population of 120 million could mean a shortage of fresh water limiting "the country’s domestic agricultural and industrial development options," [18] and that some countries "triumph" over others because of superior "knowledge, technology, wealth, welfare, and security", not population size. [19]

Ahmadinejad's call for a higher birth rate reminded some of the demand of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979 for an increased population, which was eventually reversed in response to the resultant economic strain. [17]

On 25 July 2012, Supreme Leader Khamenei stated that Iran's contraceptive policy made sense 20 years ago, "but its continuation in later years was wrong ... Scientific and experts studies show that we will face population aging and reduction (in population) if the birth-control policy continues." [4]

Deputy health minister Ali Reza Mesdaghinia, was quoted in the semiofficial Fars news agency on 29 July that population control programs "belonged to the past," and that "there is no plan to keep number of the children at one or two. Families should decide about it by themselves. In our culture, having a large number of children has been a tradition. In the past families had five or six children. … The culture still exists in the rural areas. We should go back to our genuine culture." [4] How successful the government will be in surmounting hurdles of changing ideas in society about the role of women and the family, and family worries about money and employment, remains to be seen. [20]

As of 2014, measures to reverse the declining birth rate include: replacing public-health slogans that used to praise “Fewer kids, better life” with billboards that show large, happy families juxtaposed with sad small families; cutting budgets for subsidized condoms and family planning; increasing already generous paternity and maternity leave; and seeking to enact a bill that would make vasectomies and tubectomies, which were free of charge until 2012, treated like abortions - punishable by a jail term of up to five years and payment of diyya (blood money). However, others have suggested that a large youthful population with low job prospects could in fact create greater problems in the future than an aging population. [21]

On November 1, 2021, Iran's Guardian Council approved the “rejuvenation of the population and support of family” bill, which outlaws sterilization and free distribution of contraceptives in the public health care system unless a pregnancy threatens a woman's health. [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

Sterilization is any of a number of medical methods of permanent birth control that intentionally leaves a person unable to reproduce. Sterilization methods include both surgical and non-surgical options for both males and females. Sterilization procedures are intended to be permanent; reversal is generally difficult.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human population planning</span> Practice of controlling rate of growth

Human population planning is the practice of managing the growth rate of a human population. The practice, traditionally referred to as population control, had historically been implemented mainly with the goal of increasing population growth, though from the 1950s to the 1980s, concerns about overpopulation and its effects on poverty, the environment and political stability led to efforts to reduce population growth rates in many countries. More recently, however, several countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Iran, Italy, Spain, Finland, Hungary and Estonia have begun efforts to boost birth rates once again, generally as a response to looming demographic crises.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Family planning</span> Planning when to have children

Family planning is the consideration of the number of children a person wishes to have, including the choice to have no children, and the age at which they wish to have them. Things that may play a role on family planning decisions include marital situation, career or work considerations, financial situations. If sexually active, family planning may involve the use of contraception and other techniques to control the timing of reproduction.

Fertility in colloquial terms refers the ability to have offspring. In demographic contexts, fertility refers to the actual production of offspring, rather than the physical capability to reproduce, which is termed fecundity. The fertility rate is the average number of children born during an individual's lifetime. In medicine, fertility refers to the ability to have children, and infertility refers to difficulty in reproducing naturally. In general, infertility or subfertility in humans is defined as not being able to conceive a child after one year of unprotected sex. The antithesis of fertility is infertility, while the antithesis of fecundity is sterility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birth rate</span> Total number of live births per 1,000 divided by time period

Birth rate, also known as natality, is the total number of live human births per 1,000 population for a given period divided by the length of the period in years. The number of live births is normally taken from a universal registration system for births; population counts from a census, and estimation through specialized demographic techniques. The birth rate is used to calculate population growth. The estimated average population may be taken as the mid-year population.

Male contraceptives, also known as male birth control, are methods of preventing pregnancy by interrupting the function of sperm. The main forms of male contraception available today are condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal, which together represented 20% of global contraceptive use in 2019. New forms of male contraception are in clinical and preclinical stages of research and development, but as of 2024, none have reached regulatory approval for widespread use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual and reproductive health</span> State of the reproductive system without evidence of disease, disorders, or deficiencies

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a field of research, health care, and social activism that explores the health of an individual's reproductive system and sexual well-being during all stages of their life. Sexual and reproductive health is more commonly defined as sexual and reproductive health and rights, to encompass individual agency to make choices about their sexual and reproductive lives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Comparison of birth control methods</span>

There are many methods of birth control that vary in requirements, side effects, and effectiveness. As the technology, education, and awareness about contraception has evolved, new contraception methods have been theorized and put in application. Although no method of birth control is ideal for every user, some methods remain more effective, affordable or intrusive than others. Outlined here are the different types of barrier methods, hormonal methods, various methods including spermicides, emergency contraceptives, and surgical methods and a comparison between them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birth control</span> Method of preventing human pregnancy

Birth control, also known as contraception, anticonception, and fertility control, is the use of methods or devices to prevent unintended pregnancy. Birth control has been used since ancient times, but effective and safe methods of birth control only became available in the 20th century. Planning, making available, and using human birth control is called family planning. Some cultures limit or discourage access to birth control because they consider it to be morally, religiously, or politically undesirable.

A two-child policy is a government-imposed limit of two children allowed per family or the payment of government subsidies only to the first two children.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Family planning in India</span>

Family planning in India is based on efforts largely sponsored by the Indian government. From 1965 to 2009, contraceptive usage has more than tripled and the fertility rate has more than halved, but the national fertility rate in absolute numbers remains high, causing concern for long-term population growth. India adds up to 1,000,000 people to its population every 20 days. Extensive family planning has become a priority in an effort to curb the projected population of two billion by the end of the twenty-first century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Family planning in Pakistan</span>

Even though there is considerable demand for family planning in Pakistan, the adoption of family planning has been hampered by government neglect, lack of services and misconceptions. Demographics play a large role in Pakistan's development and security since the change from military rule to civilian leadership. Challenges to Pakistani's well-being, opportunities for education and employment, and access to health care are escalated due to the country's continuously-growing population. It was estimated in 2005 that Pakistan's population totaled 151 million; a number which grows 1.9 percent annually, equaling a 2.9 million population growth per year. Though Pakistan's fertility rates still exceed those of neighboring South Asian countries with a total fertility rate at 4.1 and contraception use is lower than 35 percent, approximately one-fourth of Pakistani women wish to either delay the birth of their next child or end childbearing altogether.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Population planning in Singapore</span>

Population planning in Singapore has reflected various policies to both slow and boost the growth rate of Singapore's population. Singapore first began population planning initiatives in an attempt to slow and reverse the rapid increase in births that began after World War II. Later on, from the 1980s, policy was tailored towards growth, attempting to encourage mothers to have more children. In 2020, the annual total population growth rate in Singapore was −0.3%, and its resident total fertility rate (TFR) was 1.10, below the replacement rate of 2.1.

The Population and Community Development Association (PDA) is a non-governmental organization in Thailand. Its goal is to reduce poverty through both development initiatives and family planning programs. Originally called the Community-Based Family Planning Service, it was founded by Mechai Viravaidya in 1974. In the early 1970s, Viravaidya was the Minister of Industry but became frustrated with the government's inability to implement a national family planning policy. In his work with the government, he identified a direct correlation between Thailand's poverty and population growth. His immediate concern was the high population growth rate of 3.2%, which equated to approximately seven children per family. The population growth rate was an increasing concern for Thailand and Mechai Viravaidya because high growth rates restricted Thailand's ability to provide for its entire population and improve living conditions. By 2011, Thailand's population growth rate was only 0.566%. A sharp reduction in poverty has followed upon the reduction in family size, a reduction which can in significant part be attributed to the influence and programs of the PDA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Family planning policies of China</span> Population planning policy of China

China's family planning policies have included specific birth quotas as well as harsh enforcement of such quotas. Together, these elements constitute the population planning program of the People's Republic of China. China's program should not be confused with the family planning programs instituted in other countries, which were designed to encourage parents to have the number of children they desired—in China, the provision of contraception through family planning programs was subservient to a birth planning program under which the government designated how many births parents could have in order to control the size of its population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birth control in Africa</span>

Access to safe and adequate sexual and reproductive healthcare constitutes part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as upheld by the United Nations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prevalence of birth control</span> Overview article

Globally approximately 45% of those who are married and able to have children use contraception. As of 2007, IUDs were used by about 17% of women of child bearing age in developing countries and 9% in developed countries or more than 180 million women worldwide. Avoiding sex when fertile is used by about 3.6% of women of childbearing age, with usage as high as 20% in areas of South America. As of 2005, 12% of couples are using a male form of contraception with rates of up to 30% in the developed world.

For years, the census data in China has recorded a significant imbalance in the sex ratio toward the male population, meaning there are fewer women than men. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the missing women or missing girls of China. China's official census report from 2000 shows that there were 117 boys for every 100 girls. The sex imbalance in some rural areas is even higher, at 130 boys to 100 girls, compared to a global average of 105 or 106 boys to 100 girls.

Family planning in Bangladesh is carried out by government agencies and supported by non-government organisations. The Directorate General of Family Planning is the government agency responsible for family planning in Bangladesh. Marie Stopes Bangladesh is an international NGO that provides family planning services in Bangladesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aging of South Korea</span> Overview of aging in South Korea

In South Korea, aging refers to an increase in the proportion of senior citizens to the total population. The term "senior citizens" include those aged 65 or older. According to Article 3 no.1 of the Framework Act on Low Birthrate of an Aging Society, the term "aging population" refers to the increasing proportion of elderly people in the entire population.

References

  1. ↑ The Iranian miracle: The most effective family planning program in history? Archived 2019-04-02 at the Wayback Machine , 2019-03-21
  2. ↑ MSN Encarta Encyclopedia entry on Iran - People and Society Archived 2009-10-28 at the Wayback Machine , CIA World factbook 2007. Archived 2009-10-31.
  3. ↑ Iran tops world in birth control Archived 2017-06-27 at the Wayback Machine , payvand.com 04/17/09, access-date = 2010-03-23
  4. 1 2 3 Iran urges baby boom, slashes birth-control programs usatoday.com 30 July 2012
  5. ↑ "IRAN-IRAN: Focus on family planning". 24 April 2003. Retrieved 2010-03-23.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. ↑ Moore, Richard (2008). "The Global Family Planning Revolution: Three Decades of Population Policies and Programmes". Bulletin of the World Health Organization.
  7. ↑ Abrahamian, Ervand, Khomeinism : Essays on the Islamic Republic, Berkeley : University of California Press, c1993, p.140
  8. ↑ Riddell, Katrina (2009). Islam and the Secularization of Population Policies. Burlington: Ashgate. p. 110.
  9. ↑ Mohammad Jalal Abbasi-Shavazi, Recent changes and the future of fertility in Iran, but reached its peak after the revolution figure 1
  10. ↑ "Iran's Family Program is Succeding[sic]". Popline, the Population Institute's news service. June 1998. Archived from the original on 2021-06-20. Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  11. ↑ Abrahamian, History of Modern Iran, (2008), p.184
  12. 1 2 3 4 Sciolino, Elaine, Persian Mirrors: The Elusive Face of Iran, Free Press, 2000, 2005 (p.282)
  13. ↑ Hoodfar, jdjdhHoma; Assadpour, Samad (2000). "The Politics of Population Policy in the Islamic Republic of Iran". Studies in Family Planning. 31 (1): 19–34. doi:10.1111/j.1728-4465.2000.00019.x. PMID   10765535.
  14. ↑ "About us – Kayhan Bod". Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  15. ↑ Weiss, Kenneth R.; Mostaghim, Ramin (2012-07-22). "Iran's birth control policy sent birthrate tumbling". Los Angeles Times.
  16. ↑ Kassam, Ashifa; Scammell, Rosie; Connolly, Kate; Orange, Richard; Willsher, Kim; Ratcliffe, Rebecca (22 August 2015). "Europe needs many more babies to avert a population disaster". the Guardian.
  17. 1 2 3 Tait, Robert (October 23, 2006). "Ahmadinejad urges Iranian baby boom to challenge west". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  18. ↑ Prospects for Ahmadinejad’s Call for More Rapid Population Growth in Iran Archived 2008-11-29 at the Wayback Machine , Draft: 13 November 2006, p.4
  19. ↑ Etemad-e Melli quoted in Wright, Robin, Dreams and Shadows : the Future of the Middle East, Penguin Press, 2008, p.323
  20. ↑ Iran aims for baby boom, but are Iranians in the mood? Archived October 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine |dailytimes.com.pk|November 15, 2012
  21. ↑ Make more babies: Iran’s leaders are worried about their country’s declining population, economist.com.
  22. ↑ "Iran: Population Law Violates Women's Rights | Human Rights Watch". 2021-11-10. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
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