[For the harmonious development of the human being]

In Benin, women's social status determines the number of births. In fact, a woman's attitude towards procreation hinges on her educational and social status. An average pregnancy rate of 7 and an illiteracy rate of 75% accounts for the limited interest in contraceptive use in Benin. It appears, therefore, that people have not clearly grasped the importance of family planning. The key to birth spacing is to promote education, especially education of youth and women. Policymakers and opinion leaders have a big role to play in sensitizing the population to adjusting procreation to available resources, to curb irresponsible sex behavior, and to assure human development and potential. Thus, women in Benin will be able to free themselves from sociocultural constraints based on traditional values which do not always favor their full potential. This shift in attitude at the national level will curb child mortality, maternal mortality, malnutrition, preventable deaths, prostitution, sexually transmitted disease, and AIDS. Therefore, responsible family planning thrusts itself as one of the most effective and accessible methods to assure a quality life today and tomorrow. The Benin Association for the Promotion of the Family is open every day providing counseling and direction, loans for family planning services, and provision of contraceptive methods. Legal provisions, especially adoption of text popularizing family planning activities, contribute greatly to the success of all development partners in Benin intervening in the field of demographic planning. This act will mark a decisive turning point in the fight for economic, cultural, and social progress.