Make a Reproductive Life Plan

What is a reproductive life plan?

A reproductive life plan is a set of personal goals about having or not having children. It also states how to achieve those goals. Everyone needs to make a reproductive life plan based on their own values, goals, and resources.

Why is a reproductive life plan important?

A reproductive life plan is important for your personal well-being, whether or not you plan to have children.  Planning if and when to have children helps you think about how you want to live your life and achieve your goals.  Almost half of pregnancies in California are unplanned and could happen at a time when a woman’s health or social situation is not ideal.  Making a reproductive life plan can help ensure that you are healthy and ready if you choose to get pregnant. 

How do I make a reproductive life plan?

There are many kinds of reproductive life plans. First, it is important to think about if you want to have children. If you do, think about when and under what conditions you want to become pregnant. If you do not plan to have children, think about how you will prevent pregnancy. Then take actions to help you achieve these goals, such as using effective birth control to prevent pregnancy before you want to become pregnant. Doctors and counselors can help you understand the options that are best for you. If you have had complications with a previous pregnancy, talk to your doctor about how to improve the health of your next pregnancy if you choose to have another child. 

What does a reproductive life plan look like?

Your plan will depend on your personal goals and dreams. Think about your goals for school, for your job or career, and for other important things in your life. Then think about how a family fits in with your plans. Here are some examples of types of reproductive life plans: 

• “I’m not ready to have children now because I want to finish school first. I’ll make sure I don’t get pregnant. Either I won’t have sex, or I’ll use birth control, every time!”
• “I want to have children when my relationship feels secure and I’ve saved enough money. I have diabetes so, when it’s time, I’ll go see my doctor to make sure my body is ready for pregnancy. In the meantime, I’m taking really good care of myself just for me.”
• “I am in a stable relationship and am taking good care of my health.  I am ready to stop using birth control and will try to get pregnant.” 
• “I’ve had two kids, and they were only a year apart. Both times, it just happened. I want to have another kid, but I want to wait at least two years. I’ll talk to my doctor about timing between pregnancies. This time, I’m going to make sure I only get pregnant when I want to. 
• “I’m just going to let pregnancy happen whenever it happens. Since I don’t know when that will be, I’m making sure that I’m in the best health now, just in case!”
• “My partner and I are ready to have a child, but we’ll need to use a sperm bank or fertility service to get pregnant. I’ll make sure I’m in good health before we use those services.” 
• “I’ve decided that I don’t want to have any children. I will find a good birth control method, or I will talk to my doctor about permanent birth control methods.” 

An important part of making a reproductive life plan is thinking about how to get and stay healthy.  Click to learn more about how to achieve a Healthy Body, a Healthy Mind, and a Healthy Environment

To learn about how to make your own plan and see sample reproductive life planning tools and , visit these websites:
http://www.ghi.com/pdf/reproductive_life_plan_2008-02.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/preconception/QandA.htm
Adult Reproductive Life Plan: You're a Busy Woman

This reproductive life plan is designed for teens:
Just for Teens

For information about birth control methods, go to: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/birth-control-methods.cfm

Easy-to-read printable version

To find a family planning clinic provider, go to Family Pact.