Brave and angry – The creation and development of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)

Abstract

This paper looks back on the developments in thinking from birth control, through voluntary family planning, to a comprehensive approach to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and celebrates some of the key players in this evolution. It tells the story of the creation of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) in 1952, and scrutinises how important this organisation was then and is now. It gives an idea of the efforts it took to reassemble initiatives around the world into one body, strong enough to foster the cause to the benefit of all. While IPPF was and still is a unique association, it has increased its partnerships and works together with a multitude of organisations active in the field of SRHR. In the current political context joint efforts are still needed to protect the universally recognised human right of people to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children, and their access to adequate education and information.

Keywords:

• International grass roots movement
• Family Planning
• Sexuality education
• Sharing of experience
• Shaping the agenda

Declaration of interest: The author is Regional Director of the IPPF European Network. The author alone is responsible for the writing and the content of this paper. She acknowledges the editorial assistance provided by Bayer Schering Pharma. The author did not receive, nor does she expect to receive any payment for this contribution.