PIP: The health, psychological, and social benefits derived from family planning far outweigh the health risks associated with modern contraceptive methods. Efforts should be directed toward collecting and disseminating information concerning these benefits. Continuous pregnancy and lactation greatly increases the risk of pregnancy complications, infectious diseases, and death, especially for women suffering from malnutrition and anemia. The risk of maternal mortality increases greatly after the 3rd birth. There are risks involved in the use of contraceptives; however, the health risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth far outweigh these risks. Among 15-19 years old, the risk of death from pregnancy and childbirth is 10.8/100,000 live births while the risk of death from oral contraceptive usage is 1.3/100,000 users each year. Respective rates for 20-24 year olds are 8.5 and 1.3, for 25-29 year olds 12.1 and 1.3, and for 40-44 year olds 69.1 and 24.5. Short birth intervals also have negative effects on the offspring. According to a study conducted in India there are 206 infant deaths/1000 live births for birth intervals of 11 months or less and 108 infant deaths/1000 live births for birth itnervals of 48 months or more. Short birth intervals are also associated with infantile nutritional deficiencies and with low birth weights. World fertility data demonstrates that the proportion of women who know about modern birth control methods is much larger than the proportion of women who use modern methods. To remedy this situation, efforts should be directed toward 1) disseminating information concerning the benefits of contraception; 2) increasing contraceptive availability; 3) providing more adequate medical follow-up for dealing with complications; and 4) collecting data on the impact of family planning on the health, social, and psychological well-being on the entire family.