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.
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. Becoming a father is a life-changing event. Almost half of pregnancies in California are unplanned and could happen at a time when a man is not ready to have a child. Making a reproductive life plan can help ensure that you are healthy and ready if you choose to have a child.
There are many kinds of reproductive life plans. First, it is important to think about whether you want to have children. If you do, think about when and under what conditions you want to become a father. 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. Becoming a father means taking on new responsibilities to provide emotional and financial support for your family. Planning when to become a father can help you to be better prepared. If you do not plan to have children, think about how you will prevent pregnancy. Talk to your partner about your plan and how you will achieve your goals together.
Your plan will depend on your personal goals and dreams. Decide with your partner which method of birth control you will use to prevent pregnancy before you want to become parents. Doctors and counselors can help you understand the options that are best for you. Also talk with your doctor about how to make sure you are healthy and ready to have a child. Click to learn more about how to achieve a healthy body, a healthy mind, and a healthy environment.
Here are some examples of types of reproductive life plans: