In a broad sense, the media are a powerful tool for communicating with the public about family planning. Drug companies that make contraceptives, manufacturers of condoms, public service organizations and even dating and hook-up websites are already using the media to reach the population. Media have a strong influence over young people especially, and represent an opportunity to reach a wide audience with information about family planning. Information gleaned from the media can be a starting point for conversations among family members or partners about family planning.
Young people especially are open to listening to their peers, particularly when the subject is a sensitive one like family planning. Trained peer educators are a rich resource for communication about this topic. These volunteers can offer personal insight, answer questions in a non-threatening way and encourage an open dialogue about family planning. Peer educators are an important tool in communicating about family planning.
Videos, pictures, brochures and fliers are all ways to get information into the hands of the public. These forms of communication are effective for populations that might otherwise find it difficult to seek out the information. Multi-media aids offer the opportunity to learn without having to speak directly with another person and can open the dialogue if more information is needed. As a bonus, these aids are relatively easy to produce and can be updated to keep them relevant and current.
Speaking with an intimate partner about family planning can be the most intimidating of communication choices. It might be easier to speak to a stranger about birth control or pregnancy choices than to a partner whose reaction might be unpredictable. One step toward opening the communication between partners is to understand the barriers and start to break them down. Ask yourself why talking to your partner is difficult or why you think your partner might respond negatively to the idea of family planning. Then formulate your approach to your partner, taking into consideration what you perceive as your partner's barriers as well as your own.