Checkpoints for Choice: An Orientation and Resource Package

"How can stakeholders ensure that family planning programs are designed, implemented, and monitored in a way that respects, protects, and fulfills human rights and puts clients’ needs and preferences at the forefront?"

This orientation package from EngenderHealth’s RESPOND Project is aimed to fulfil recommendations that family planning (FP) programmes be client-centred rather than method-driven. "The package focuses on clients’ full, free, and informed choice" and was designed to complement the Voluntary, Rights-Based FP (VRBFP) Framework (see related summaries below). "This document fills a gap by focusing on the client’s perspective, preferences, and experience and on the many factors that affect individuals’ ability to make full, free, and informed choices about FP. Taking a more client-centered approach to planning, implementing, and monitoring FP programs will not only advance the protection and fulfillment of human rights; there is reason to believe that this approach will also make FP programs more effective and sustainable."

The package provides a detailed plan for a one-day workshop (including all supporting materials) to help FP stakeholders:

• "Understand key concepts related to contraceptive choice
• Consider characteristics of FP methods that matter to women
• Examine the full spectrum of challenges that affect whether client’s FP needs are met
• Highlight program aspects that should be continued, strengthened, or expanded
• Identify factors and warning signs managers can track to assess whether full, free, and informed choice may be compromised
• Explore steps to foster individual and program accountability for ensuring contraceptive choice within an FP program"

Intended participants include donors, policymakers, program planners and managers, service providers, staff of technical assistance agencies, and rights and community advocates. 

The package: explains client-centred FP and full, free and informed choice; outlines a holistic approach to programmes; and addresses the component of accountability that relates to the responsibility of FP donors, managers, and service providers. It provides an orientation plan and all session plans, facilitator guidance and an agenda with handouts, PowerPoint presentation, and materials for an eight-hour workshop including:

1. "Opening: Welcome and Overview
2. Client Centered Family Planning that Ensures Full, Free, and Informed Choice
3. Factors that Support and Factors that Hinder Full, Free, and Informed Choice and Rights
4. The Range of Challenges to Full, Free, and Informed Choice: What Warrants More Attention?
5. Contraceptive Method Choice: What It Is and Why It Matters
6. Accountability for Full, Free, and Informed Choice in FP Programs
7. Wrap-Up and Reflections"