A Guide to Family Planning: A Scientific, Social, and Ethical Approach

Introduction
- Why Family Planning Matters Today
- Definitions and Scope
Historical Background
- Family Planning in Ancient and Modern Cultures
- Religious, Social, and Political Influences Over Time
Reproductive Health and Biology
- Human Reproductive System Basics
- Fertility Cycles and Contraceptive Mechanisms
Methods of Family Planning
- Natural Family Planning
- Barrier Methods
- Hormonal Contraceptives
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
- Permanent Methods (Sterilization)
- Emergency Contraception
- Male Contraceptives: Current and Emerging
Family Planning and Public Health
- Impact on Maternal and Infant Health
- Preventing Unplanned Pregnancies and STIs
- Access to Healthcare and Contraceptives
Family Planning and Social Development
- Education, Poverty Reduction, and Gender Equity
- Demographics and Population Stability
- Effects on Child Welfare and Parental Readiness
Cultural and Ethical Considerations
- Respect for Autonomy and Consent
- Cultural Sensitivities and Religious Perspectives
- Ethical Dilemmas in Policy and Practice
Family Planning Policy and Global Access
- Policies in Different Nations
- Role of Governments, NGOs, and Global Health Initiatives
- Barriers to Access (Legal, Economic, Logistical)
Technology and the Future of Family Planning
- Advances in Contraceptive Technology
- Telehealth and Digital Access to Reproductive Services
- Fertility Preservation and Genetic Planning
Integrated Humanist Perspective
- Supporting Informed Choice and Human Flourishing
- Family Planning as a Civic Right and Responsibility
- Connections with Science Abbey’s Vision for Sustainable Societies
Conclusion
- Building a Future of Freedom, Health, and Responsibility

1. Introduction

Why Family Planning Matters Today

Family planning stands at the intersection of science, public health, human rights, and social well-being. In the modern world—marked by rapidly shifting demographics, global healthcare disparities, and evolving gender roles—the ability to make informed decisions about when, whether, and how to have children is foundational to individual freedom and collective progress.

Family planning is not merely a private concern; it is a public good. When individuals and couples are empowered to manage reproduction based on accurate information, accessible tools, and supportive social environments, the benefits ripple outward—improving maternal and child health, enhancing education and economic opportunities, reducing poverty, and contributing to sustainable population trends. Conversely, lack of access to family planning can trap families in cycles of poor health, reduced agency, and economic hardship.

Amid a diverse global landscape of cultural expectations and legal structures, family planning requires careful attention to science, ethics, and policy. It must uphold autonomy, respect tradition, and adapt to evolving understandings of gender, sexuality, and technology. In many regions, debates around contraception, reproductive rights, and population control remain charged and complex—demanding not only technical solutions but also principled, human-centered frameworks for dialogue and action.

This guide aims to clarify the key concepts, choices, and consequences of family planning from an integrated scientific humanist perspective: one that is grounded in biology and health science, but also deeply committed to justice, empowerment, and human dignity.

Definitions and Scope

Family planning refers to the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. This includes access to:

Information and education about reproductive health
A full range of safe and effective contraceptive methods
Healthcare services and counseling
Social support and legal protections for reproductive decision-making

The scope of this article includes:

Biological and medical fundamentals of reproduction and contraception
Historical and cultural evolution of family planning practices
Overview of modern contraceptive methods and their effectiveness
Social, economic, and public health implications
Ethical and policy debates surrounding reproductive rights
Future innovations in reproductive technology
A philosophical grounding in Integrated Humanism, advocating responsible freedom, equality, and global well-being

2. Historical Background

Family Planning in Ancient and Modern Cultures

The desire to control fertility is not a modern phenomenon—it has accompanied human civilization for millennia. Ancient Egyptian papyri, Chinese herbal texts, and Greek medical treatises document early contraceptive methods ranging from herbal pessaries and barrier devices to prolonged breastfeeding and coitus interruptus. Across Mesopotamia, India, and pre-Columbian America, midwives and healers possessed intimate knowledge of reproductive cycles and plant-based contraceptives.

In classical antiquity, scholars like Soranus of Ephesus offered detailed instructions for contraception and abortion, treating family planning as a medical art. In ancient India, the Kama Sutra and Ayurvedic literature emphasized both pleasure and responsible reproduction. Meanwhile, Daoist and Buddhist texts in China included celibacy practices, sexual timing, and “qi management” as means of cultivating both personal vitality and birth control.

However, as patriarchal empires and religious orthodoxy solidified across much of the world, many traditional practices were suppressed or redefined. In Abrahamic traditions, especially within medieval Christianity and Islam, family planning was often subordinated to divine command, pro-natalist theology, and male authority. In Europe, the Christian Church condemned contraception as sinful, while in Islamic jurisprudence ‘azl (withdrawal) was debated but not universally prohibited.

During the early modern period, advances in anatomical knowledge and printing enabled wider dissemination of information about reproduction, though contraception remained largely taboo or illegal. Women often passed down contraceptive knowledge privately, under the threat of punishment or social shame.

Religious, Social, and Political Influences Over Time

The control of fertility has often been deeply entangled with questions of morality, power, and social order. In the 19th and 20th centuries, as industrialization, urbanization, and women’s movements reshaped society, family planning re-emerged as a public issue.

Reformers like Margaret Sanger in the U.S., Marie Stopes in the U.K., and Dhanvanthi Rama Rau in India fought for the legalization and dissemination of birth control, often facing fierce opposition from religious institutions and political authorities.

At the same time, family planning became politicized through the lens of population control. In the aftermath of World War II and amid fears of overpopulation, governments and international bodies began promoting large-scale birth control campaigns—some voluntary, others coercive. The infamous one-child policy in China and forced sterilization programs in the U.S., India, and Peru underscore the potential for abuse when reproductive rights are subordinated to state agendas.

In the late 20th century, the narrative began to shift from coercion to empowerment. The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo marked a turning point: reproductive rights were reframed as fundamental human rights, with a focus on women’s autonomy, access to healthcare, and informed choice.

Today, family planning is widely recognized as a cornerstone of public health and gender equity. Yet, disparities in access, persistent cultural stigma, and renewed ideological battles over reproductive rights remind us that this is still a contested and evolving domain.

3. Reproductive Health and Biology

The Human Reproductive System: A Biological Overview

Effective family planning begins with understanding the biological mechanisms of human reproduction. The reproductive systems of males and females are anatomically distinct but functionally complementary, designed to enable fertilization and gestation.

In females, the reproductive system includes the ovaries (which produce eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone), the fallopian tubes (where fertilization typically occurs), the uterus (where a fertilized egg implants and develops), and the vagina (the canal through which sperm enters and childbirth occurs).

In males, sperm is produced in the testes and transported through the vas deferens, mixing with seminal fluid from the prostate and seminal vesicles to form semen, which is ejaculated through the penis during intercourse.

Fertilization usually occurs in the fallopian tube, after which the resulting zygote travels to the uterus for implantation. If no fertilization occurs, the uterine lining is shed during menstruation.

Fertility and the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle, typically about 28 days, is governed by fluctuating hormones and includes several phases:

Menstrual phase: The uterine lining sheds (days 1–5).
Follicular phase: Egg development begins (days 1–13).
Ovulation: An egg is released from the ovary (around day 14).
Luteal phase: Hormones prepare the uterus for possible implantation (days 15–28).

The “fertile window” typically spans about six days—five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself—when pregnancy is most likely to occur. Awareness of this window is the basis of natural family planning techniques, such as the calendar method, basal body temperature tracking, and cervical mucus observation.

Understanding Conception, Pregnancy, and Infertility

Pregnancy begins when a sperm cell successfully fertilizes an egg and the resulting embryo implants in the uterine wall. Once implantation occurs, hormonal changes prevent menstruation and support fetal development.

Infertility is clinically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. Causes may include hormonal imbalances, anatomical issues (e.g., blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count), age-related decline in fertility, or underlying health conditions. Modern reproductive medicine provides various options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and hormonal therapies.

Reproductive health also includes the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), safe pregnancy and delivery, and support for menstrual health. Access to healthcare, accurate knowledge, and regular medical screenings are crucial for safeguarding reproductive health across the life span.

Hormones and Contraceptive Mechanisms

Contraceptive methods often work by interfering with one or more biological processes involved in reproduction:

Preventing ovulation (e.g., hormonal pills, patches, implants)
Blocking sperm from reaching the egg (e.g., condoms, diaphragms)
Preventing implantation (e.g., intrauterine devices)
Disabling sperm mobility or function (e.g., spermicides)
Permanent sterilization (e.g., tubal ligation, vasectomy)

Understanding these mechanisms empowers individuals to make informed decisions tailored to their health, lifestyle, values, and reproductive goals.

4. Methods of Family Planning

Family planning methods can be categorized based on how they work to prevent pregnancy—by inhibiting ovulation, blocking sperm, disabling fertilization, or preventing implantation. Each method has varying levels of effectiveness, side effects, accessibility, and cultural acceptability. The choice of method should reflect individual health, preferences, ethical beliefs, and long-term goals.

4.1 Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Natural methods involve no artificial intervention and rely on understanding and tracking fertility signals:

Calendar Method: Avoiding intercourse during the estimated fertile window.
Basal Body Temperature Method: Detecting slight temperature increases post-ovulation.
Cervical Mucus Method: Observing changes in vaginal secretions to identify ovulation.
Symptothermal Method: Combining multiple indicators (temperature, mucus, mood, etc.).

Effectiveness: Varies widely with precision and discipline (about 76–88% with typical use).
Benefits: No side effects, cost-free, acceptable to many religious groups.
Limitations: Requires rigorous daily tracking; less reliable for irregular cycles.

4.2 Barrier Methods

Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching the egg:

Male condoms: Thin sheaths worn over the penis.
Female condoms: Internal pouch inserted into the vagina.
Diaphragms and cervical caps: Devices that cover the cervix, often used with spermicide.
Sponges: Foam devices that block the cervix and release spermicide.

Effectiveness: 71–88% with typical use (higher with perfect use).
Benefits: Protection against STIs (especially condoms), low cost, non-hormonal.
Limitations: Must be used with each act of intercourse, potential for slippage or breakage.

4.3 Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal methods use synthetic hormones (estrogen and/or progestin) to suppress ovulation and alter cervical mucus and uterine lining:

Combined oral contraceptives (the pill)
Progestin-only pills (mini-pill)
Contraceptive patch
Vaginal ring
Injectables (e.g., Depo-Provera)

Effectiveness: Over 91% with typical use (over 99% with perfect use).
Benefits: Highly effective, regulates menstrual cycles, reduces menstrual pain and acne.
Limitations: Requires prescription and regular use, possible side effects (mood, weight gain, blood clots), not suitable for all health profiles.

4.4 Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

LARCs provide extended protection with minimal maintenance:

Intrauterine devices (IUDs): T-shaped devices placed in the uterus.
- Copper IUDs: Non-hormonal, effective up to 10–12 years.
- Hormonal IUDs: Release progestin, effective 3–8 years.
Subdermal implants: Flexible rods inserted under the skin of the arm, effective for up to 3–5 years.

Effectiveness: Over 99%.
Benefits: “Set and forget,” highly effective, reversible.
Limitations: Requires clinical procedure, possible side effects, upfront cost (often subsidized).

4.5 Permanent Methods (Sterilization)

These methods are intended to provide irreversible birth control:

Tubal ligation: Surgical sealing or cutting of the fallopian tubes.
Vasectomy: Surgical cutting or sealing of the vas deferens.

Effectiveness: Over 99%.
Benefits: Permanent solution, no ongoing maintenance.
Limitations: Surgical risks, considered irreversible (though reversal is sometimes possible), requires full informed consent and counseling.

4.6 Emergency Contraception

Used after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure:

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs): Delay ovulation if taken within 3–5 days.
Copper IUDs: Can be used as emergency contraception within 5 days.

Effectiveness: Varies by timing and method; pills are 58–94%, copper IUD nearly 100%.
Benefits: Last-resort protection, accessible over-the-counter in many regions.
Limitations: Not a regular method; may cause side effects like nausea or menstrual delay.

4.7 Male Contraceptives: Current and Emerging

Currently, the male condom and vasectomy are the only widely available male-directed contraceptives. However, scientific advances are underway to develop:

Hormonal male contraceptive injections or pills: Suppress sperm production.
Non-hormonal methods: Target sperm motility or function.
Reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG): A polymer injected into the vas deferens.

Potential Impact: A broader range of male contraceptives could greatly expand equitable responsibility for contraception and transform reproductive dynamics.

5. Family Planning and Public Health

Family planning is not only a personal or familial matter—it is a foundational pillar of public health. Accessible, voluntary reproductive care improves population-wide health outcomes, strengthens healthcare systems, and enhances social equity. It is both a preventive health measure and a driver of sustainable development.

5.1 Maternal and Infant Health

Access to family planning dramatically reduces maternal and infant mortality. When pregnancies are spaced appropriately—ideally 18 to 24 months apart—there is a lower risk of:

Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Maternal hemorrhage and complications
Unsafe abortions
Infant malnutrition and developmental delays

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fulfilling the unmet need for contraception could prevent over 60% of maternal deaths globally. Timely and well-spaced pregnancies allow mothers to recover physically and emotionally, leading to healthier pregnancies and improved long-term outcomes for children.

5.2 Prevention of Unplanned Pregnancies and STIs

Unintended pregnancies contribute significantly to school dropout rates, economic hardship, and cycles of poverty—especially among adolescents and marginalized groups. Family planning methods, particularly barrier methods like condoms, also serve a dual purpose by reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Comprehensive sexual education and access to modern contraceptives have been shown to:

Delay the age of first intercourse
Increase consistent contraceptive use
Reduce the number of sexual partners
Decrease rates of unintended pregnancy and STIs

5.3 Health System Efficiency and Cost Savings

Family planning is a cost-effective public health intervention. Every dollar invested in contraceptive services can yield up to $4–7 in savings on maternal and newborn health care costs. By preventing high-risk pregnancies and reducing the need for emergency care, contraceptive services reduce the burden on hospitals, clinics, and social safety nets.

This cost-effectiveness also extends to disaster response and humanitarian contexts, where reproductive health services can prevent a secondary crisis amid displacement and instability.

5.4 Access, Education, and Equity

Public health frameworks must address not only the biological but also the social determinants of reproductive health—including poverty, education, gender inequality, and systemic discrimination. Marginalized populations (e.g., rural communities, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities) often face additional barriers to accessing reproductive care.

A strong public health approach includes:

Universal access to contraception and counseling
Culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible services
Youth-friendly and confidential reproductive care
Integration of family planning into primary healthcare systems

Public health policies rooted in human rights prioritize informed choice, respect for bodily autonomy, and non-coercive delivery of services—fundamentals for ethical reproductive care.

6. Family Planning and Social Development

Family planning is a catalyst for progress far beyond the realm of health. When individuals and communities can freely determine their reproductive choices, societies become more equitable, resilient, and prosperous. The far-reaching effects of family planning ripple through education, poverty reduction, gender equity, and child development—making it one of the most transformative tools for social development.

6.1 Education and Empowerment

Access to family planning empowers individuals—especially women and girls—to pursue education and personal development without interruption from unplanned pregnancies. When women can complete schooling and delay childbirth, they gain:

Greater economic opportunities
Higher lifetime earnings
Increased participation in civic life
Improved self-determination and bargaining power

Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to early pregnancy, which remains a leading cause of school dropout in many regions. With comprehensive sex education and contraceptive access, young people are better equipped to make informed, responsible decisions that support their futures.

6.2 Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth

Family planning is tightly linked to economic mobility. Smaller, well-spaced families are more likely to:

Allocate resources efficiently for food, education, and healthcare
Break cycles of intergenerational poverty
Improve household financial security and resilience

At the macro level, countries that invest in reproductive health experience what demographers call the “demographic dividend”—a period when a declining birth rate leads to a higher ratio of working-age adults, fueling economic growth and development. This transition is only possible when family planning is widespread, voluntary, and equitably accessible.

6.3 Gender Equality and Social Justice

Controlling one’s fertility is fundamental to gender equality. The ability to choose if and when to have children allows women and gender minorities to more fully participate in public life, careers, and leadership. Family planning helps shift long-standing power imbalances by:

Reducing dependency on male partners
Enhancing negotiation power within households
Enabling shared parental responsibilities

Moreover, engaging men in family planning—through education and shared contraceptive responsibility—helps dismantle harmful gender norms and supports cooperative partnerships.

6.4 Child Welfare and Parental Readiness

Children born into families that plan and prepare for their arrival benefit from:

Better prenatal and postnatal care
Improved nutrition and developmental outcomes
Greater parental attention and emotional support
Higher likelihood of education and social success

Parents who can choose the timing and number of children are more likely to provide stable, nurturing environments that promote both immediate and long-term well-being.

6.5 Environmental and Sustainability Implications

Sustainable family planning also contributes to global environmental stability. Population growth intersects with:

Resource consumption (e.g., water, food, energy)
Urban development and housing
Ecosystem strain and biodiversity loss

Though family planning alone is not a solution to environmental challenges, it supports sustainable development goals (SDGs) by enabling societies to balance human needs with ecological responsibility.

7. Cultural and Ethical Considerations

Family planning is not practiced in a vacuum—it is embedded in diverse cultural, religious, and moral frameworks that shape how it is perceived, accepted, or resisted. Any comprehensive approach must therefore balance scientific understanding with cultural sensitivity, ethical clarity, and respect for pluralism. At its core, ethical family planning supports autonomy, justice, and dignity while recognizing social diversity.

7.1 Respect for Autonomy and Informed Consent

The ethical cornerstone of family planning is the right to make informed, voluntary, and autonomous decisions about reproduction. This includes:

Access to accurate, non-coercive information
Freedom from pressure or manipulation by partners, families, states, or religious authorities
Confidential, respectful reproductive healthcare

Coercive practices—such as forced sterilizations, mandatory birth limits, or denial of services—violate human rights and undermine the moral legitimacy of reproductive programs, regardless of their stated goals.

Consent must be active and ongoing, especially in cases involving vulnerable populations such as adolescents, people with disabilities, or individuals under guardianship.

7.2 Cultural Sensitivities and Religious Perspectives

Views on contraception, fertility, and family roles vary dramatically across cultures and faith traditions. While some religious doctrines encourage large families or oppose artificial contraception, others endorse birth spacing, responsible parenthood, or stewardship of life.

Examples:

Roman Catholicism traditionally prohibits artificial contraception, promoting natural family planning as a moral alternative.
Islamic jurisprudence varies by school of thought, but usually permits the use of contraception as long as it is non-permanent (condoms, pills, IUDs), does not harm the body, and is consensual between spouses. Many scholars agree on methods like ‘azl (withdrawal).
Hindu and Buddhist traditions often emphasize family duties but leave contraception decisions to individual conscience.
Indigenous worldviews may integrate spiritual and ecological considerations into reproductive decisions.

Culturally sensitive education and community-based dialogues are essential to bridging traditional values with modern health approaches. Successful programs often emerge from within communities rather than being imposed from outside.

7.3 Power, Equity, and Reproductive Justice

Ethical family planning must go beyond individual choice to confront structural inequalities. The Reproductive Justice movement, led by Black women and other marginalized voices, frames reproductive rights within broader social justice struggles. It asserts that:

All people have the right to have children, not have children, and raise families in safe and supportive environments.
Race, class, immigration status, disability, and gender identity intersect to shape access and outcomes.
Family planning must include advocacy for childcare, housing, healthcare, and parental leave.

This perspective urges a shift from a narrow focus on contraception to a broader commitment to equity and dignity for all families.

7.4 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Policy and Practice

Policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators face recurring ethical challenges, such as:

Balancing public health goals with individual rights
Addressing adolescent access without parental consent
Respecting religious objections while upholding medical standards
Ensuring equitable access in low-resource settings

Ethical family planning policy requires transparent governance, community engagement, and safeguards against abuse. It also demands humility: recognizing that scientific knowledge must be coupled with ethical wisdom and cultural understanding.

9. Technology and the Future of Family Planning

Advancements in medical science, biotechnology, and digital tools are reshaping the landscape of family planning. Emerging technologies promise greater precision, equity, and autonomy in reproductive health, while also raising new ethical questions about accessibility, consent, and the potential for misuse. As we look to the future, innovation must be guided by a commitment to human dignity, global justice, and scientific responsibility.

9.1 New Contraceptive Technologies

Researchers are developing safer, more effective, and longer-lasting contraceptive options:

Non-hormonal contraceptives: New compounds aim to block sperm mobility or fertilization without affecting hormones, reducing side effects.
Male contraceptives: Hormonal injections, gels, and reversible blockers (like RISUG, a polymer injected into the vas deferens) are undergoing clinical trials, with the potential to expand male responsibility and choice in family planning.
Microneedle patches: These small, dissolvable skin patches deliver hormones painlessly and discreetly—ideal for low-resource or youth-centered settings.
Biodegradable implants: Next-generation implants may self-degrade after use, reducing the need for surgical removal and medical waste.

These developments signal a shift toward more personalized, user-friendly, and equitable contraceptive options.

9.2 Fertility Tracking and Digital Health Tools

Digital tools are empowering individuals to monitor their reproductive health:

Fertility apps: Using cycle data and AI algorithms, apps can predict ovulation windows or identify irregularities, enabling both conception and contraception.
Wearables and biosensors: Devices that track body temperature, heart rate, or hormonal levels offer real-time fertility insights with increasing accuracy.
Telehealth platforms: Online consultations, prescriptions, and contraceptive deliveries expand access—especially in remote areas or where in-person care is stigmatized or restricted.

These tools can increase autonomy and awareness, but also require data protection safeguards to prevent privacy violations or reproductive surveillance.

9.3 Fertility Preservation and Reproductive Choice

Advances in cryopreservation (egg, sperm, and embryo freezing) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) have enabled individuals to delay childbearing, overcome infertility, or form non-traditional families. These technologies support:

Career and education planning
LGBTQ+ family building
Survivors of cancer or other fertility-threatening conditions

Emerging frontiers like artificial gametes, gene editing, and uterus transplants may one day redefine reproductive possibilities—but they also raise profound ethical concerns about equity, enhancement, and commodification of life.

9.4 Ethical Innovation and Global Equity

Innovation is only as meaningful as its accessibility. New contraceptive technologies must be:

Affordable and scalable
Non-coercive and user-centered
Adapted for diverse populations, including low-literacy or low-infrastructure settings

The future of family planning depends on inclusive design, community participation, and robust bioethical frameworks that prioritize health equity, privacy, and informed consent.

11. Conclusion – Building a Future of Freedom, Health, and Responsibility

Family planning is not merely a medical option or a personal decision—it is a cornerstone of a just, healthy, and sustainable society. It touches nearly every domain of human life: health, education, gender, economics, ethics, and global development. When individuals have the knowledge, tools, and support to determine if and when to have children, they are better able to shape their futures—and to contribute meaningfully to the shared future of humanity.

The scientific evidence is clear: family planning saves lives, strengthens communities, and drives progress. But these benefits are only realized when we confront the social and political barriers that restrict access, when we listen to diverse voices across cultures, and when we invest in education and infrastructure that affirm reproductive freedom as a human right.

From an Integrated Humanist perspective, family planning is a sacred trust—not in the religious sense, but in the sense of our shared human obligation to protect life, choice, and dignity. It is about building a world where:

No one is forced into parenthood or denied the right to become a parent;
Every child is welcomed into a family prepared to love and support them;
And every person, regardless of gender, background, or geography, is empowered to make informed choices about their body and future.

To achieve this vision, we must continue to bridge science with ethics, policy with compassion, and personal freedom with collective care. The future of family planning is not simply technological—it is philosophical, social, and deeply human.

Let us therefore advance a future in which reproductive health is not a privilege but a universal right. A future where freedom and responsibility walk hand in hand. A future where all families—whatever form they take—are formed in dignity, supported in peace, and nurtured by knowledge.

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