RESUMO
PIP: Greater attention is needed to the interconnections between women, development, and population. The neglect of the woman factor in the areas of development and population policy has impeded achievements in these fields. The exclusion of women from the policy process in Latin America and in developing countries generally is both a reflection and a consequence of narrowly defined policies extrapolated from developed countries. The push toward economic development without regard for the consequences for women resulted in the destruction of many of women's traditional opportunities to earn income and contribute to the support of their family. No alternative income generating schemes were promoted. Women's role in fertility control was conceptualized as a passive one. During the 1970s, however, there was a growing tendency to recognize women as individuals whose rights, demands, and preferences are essential to the success of family planning programs. Nonetheless, implementation of projects that reflect a user perspective or have an integrated nature has been inconsistent. Development programs tend to be characterized by active involvement of women's organizations, a neglect of women's potential on the part of private development agencies, a lack of resource commitment by governments, and some use of consultants for the preparation of documents or meetings. In terms of the population effort, women remain the focus of family planning activities but are given few opportunities to express their concerns about the safety and efficacy of contraception or the context of service delivery. Family planning programs will not succeed as long as they focus solely on women's reproductive concerns. Women's multiple concerns and potentials must be addressed.^ieng
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde , Países em Desenvolvimento , Economia , Estudos de Avaliação como Assunto , Serviços de Saúde , Medicina , Organização e Administração , Política , Controle da População , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Política Pública , Mudança Social , Classe Social , Planejamento Social , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Direitos da Mulher , América , Países Desenvolvidos , Saúde , Cooperação Internacional , América Latina , América do Norte , Dinâmica Populacional , América do Sul , Estados UnidosRESUMO
PIP: Ethical questions have been at the heart of the ongoing debate over population policies and programs since the inception of organized family planning services in Latin America in the early 1960s. An ethically acceptable balance needs to be found between the well-being of and respect for the individual and the welfare of the family within the larger society. In Latin America the family is the most enduring and respected institution. All indications are that the family will continue to dominate the life of Latin Americans long after the societies become modernized. The extended family has prevailed because it has met the needs of individuals in the group and in the community. The place of the individual in the extended kin network and in this type of society is determined by several conditions, not the least of which is the ability to adjust personal needs to the needs of the extended family. Women, especially, if they are married, are expected to bear children and thus reinforce and perpetuate family ties. Despite considerable talk and some action giving men equal responsibility for raising and supporting children, traditionally this is considered the major prerogative and obligation of Latin women. Latin women's movements, particularly in Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela, have been at the forefront in redefining women's rights and responsibilities. This is especially the case in the area of reproductive rights. Such redefinitions, involving a new perspective on ethical values, will not be soon or easily accepted. Instrumental in ending traditions and discarding ethical orientations is the fast pace of social change. Out of the social ferment and rapid modernization and the questioning of traditions, new definitions of ethical issues concerning reproductive roles and responsibilities toward family and community are slowly emerging. The definitions and their practical meanings cluster in 4 main groups: the freedom to make reproductive choices; individual and community betterment; social justice; and individual dignity. In all these questions, there are legitimate rationales for childbearing or for contraceptive use from the individual's perspective, but from the point of view of the global community, continued high fertility appears to be a longterm plan for disaster. By taking into account the greater good of the community, the exercise of individual choices takes on new meaning.^ieng
Assuntos
Ética , Características da Família , Serviços de Planejamento Familiar , Família , Mudança Social , Direitos da Mulher , América , Região do Caribe , América Central , Países em Desenvolvimento , Economia , América Latina , América do Norte , Fatores Socioeconômicos , América do SulRESUMO
PIP: Too many development and family planning policymakers have regarded women as target consumers rather than as active participants in their own development. Women need more than contraceptives. They need opportunities to learn income-generating skills, to develop leadership, and to be involved in the choice of contraceptives. 2 examples of women's development are cited from Brazil. Romy Medeiros da Fonseca, lawyer and President of the National Council of Women, fights for women's rights to a full range of state-financed family planning services and liberalized abortion laws. Abortion in Brazil is available to those who can afford it. The Servicio de Orientacao da Familia (SOF) was founded in 1963 by professional women in Sao Paulo. In their pleasant clinic, women are seen by nurses, doctors, social workers, and psychologists. A monthly publication details upcoming events which include sewing, handicraft lessons, and literacy courses. In 1979 the 3,000 members used over 25,000 services from the clinic. Much of the professional staff volunteers their time. The "global approach" to women's development is endorsed by numerous women leaders of various ideological persuasions. Clients pay according to their ability. The organization receives little or no money other than from its members. In the 1980's planning, legislating, organizing and implementing programs will be done by women as agents and participants, not as passive consumers.^ieng