Abraham Thubo of the Reproductive Health Association in South Sudan. (Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio).

A reproductive health specialist has emphasized the importance of family planning in attaining the social and economic well-being of families and their communities.

Dr. Abraham Thubo, from the Reproductive Health Association of South Sudan, says family planning prevents the death of expectant mothers, empowers young women, and helps families fight hunger.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Saturday, Dr. Thubo clarified that the process is not intended to reduce the number of children.

“Sometimes people think that we are controlling or reducing the number of children, but we are saying it will help them to attain the number of children they want,” he said.

“For example, if I want children I should be able to know when I should have them, and it helps me prepares myself, my pocket, my condition, and everything. The other thing is that it protects the health of the mother, the husband, and the upcoming children.”

“So, the purpose is to keep the family healthy, for instance, it reduces maternal deaths and helps the family to keep some money because falling six or pregnant every year costs a lot of money on treatment.”

According to the United Nations Population Fund – UNFPA, access to safe, and voluntary family planning is a human right.

The UN agency says family planning is central to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and reducing poverty.

It says lack of access to family planning leads to unwanted pregnancies and abortions and threatens families’ ability to build a better future for themselves and their communities.