Why World Vision supports healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies to improve maternal and child health: a faith-based perspective

World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization, began large family planning programs in 2007, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As new data were published in 2008 and again in 2014, measuring the impact of the length of the preceding birth-to-conception interval on maternal, infant, and child mortality and child stunting, World Vision adopted the term “healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies” (HTSP) as its approach to family planning. This term refocused family planning efforts to emphasize the health benefits for mothers and children, and was quickly accepted by faith leaders. The data are explained, and the consequences of shorter and longer birth intervals outlined.