A comparison of family planning programs in Iran and Turkey.

Abstract

If family planning is to progress Iran and Turkey will have to embark upon total societal modernization including changes in economic demographic and attitudinal characteristics. Backward ideology regarding women has created a low output of female nurses and physicians. Both countries are economically very underdeveloped with per capita income of $353 and $283 for Turkey and Iran respectively. Both countries lack adequate systems of national vital statistics registration to show fertility changes. An annual growth rate of 3.0% for Iran and 2.7% for Turkey has been indicated. Both countries are aware of the socioeconomic problems of rapid population growth. In 1964 the National Family Program was established in Turkey and in 1967 for Iran. In Iran the goal is to have 500000 acceptors of family planning by 1972; in Turkey family planning was to be available to 2 million women by 1972. The program is located within the Ministry of Health for both countries. Although fixed family planning clinics have been established in 67 provinces of Turkey mobile units are heavily relied upon. Iran has established 397 family planning clinics. The Family Planning Association of Iran was registered with the International Planned Parenthood Federation in 1969 1963 for Turkey. In Turkey family planning was based upon IUDs but the pill was used in Iran. Both Iran and Turkey have a postpartum program limited to the main hospital in their capitals (40000 patients for Iran 12000 for Turkey). In Iran 81% postpartum used pills 20% for Turkey. 75% selected the IUD in Turkey. Both countries have developed short courses in family planning.