[The influence of contraception on couple method preference]. / Influencia de la anticoncepcion en los estilos y modelos de pareja

PIP: Contraception was 1st introduced into Colombia in 1965 and since that time has created a new conscience and style of living for the people. In 1964 Colombia's population was estimated at 18 million with a 3.8% annual growth rate; by 1989 the population had reached 31 million. However, without an active family planning program with access to a mix of contraceptives Colombia's population would have reached 42 million and would have had to face the socioeconomic problems that such a rapidly growing population brings to a society. This article is a historical perspective on the impact that an active family planning program has had in Colombia and demonstrates what political hurdles were overcome during the past 30 years. This is illustrated against a common situation in Antioquia, Bogota or Santander where 30 years age couples had 18-20 children. Such renown leaders as Dr. Alberto Lleras Camargo and Hernan Mendoza Hoyos were responsible for introducing measures and policies to curb the rapidly growing population, including the resistance of the medical association. The article also includes 2 tables on Colombia's contraceptive prevalence between 1976-86 and projected contraceptive needs for 1987-91.^ieng