Family planning is one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. A priority of the Vermont Department of Health is to increase the percent of pregnancies that are healthy and planned. The Division of Maternal and Child Health supports programs and initiatives that strengthen the family planning system in Vermont.
Family planning helps people prevent unplanned pregnancy or achieve intended pregnancy. Family planning empowers people to exercise personal choice in the number and spacing of children they have – even if the choice is not to have children. Family planning contributes to improved health outcomes for infants, children and families.
Pregnancy: Before, During and After
Having a healthy pregnancy is important to overall health and to the health of babies and children. The Division of Maternal and Child Health is committed to health and well-being before, during and after pregnancy. This is achieved through promoting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant – also called preconception health connecting people to information and resources to stay healthy during pregnancy, and ensuring individuals, children and families have access to resources and programs after pregnancy that support the health of parents and families, encourage positive parenting, and healthy child development.