About pro familia

pro familia: Sexuality, partnership and family planning

pro familia – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Familienplanung, Sexualpädagogik und Sexualberatung e.V. (German association of family planning, sexual education and sexual counseling) – was founded in 1952 and is the leading association for sexuality, partnership and family planning. pro familia is a nonprofit organization and independent from churches and parties. It is committed to the right to sexual self-determination and family planning, and sexual and reproductive (in relation to fertility) health. Further important goals are the equality of everyone, the recognition of diversity and the prevention of any violence. The identity of pro familia includes respecting everyone seeking advice, in their very personal life situation, regardless of their nationality, world view, religion, sexual orientation/identity or disability.

pro familia was a pioneer for sexual education

In the 1950s and 60s, pro familia was a pioneer for sexual education and contraception (even for unmarried girls and women) and against illegal abortions. The first advice centers were also founded at this time. Since the 1970s, pro familia has been involved in pregnancy conflict advice in accordance with paragraph 218 StGB (German Criminal Code). At the same time, the sexual education programs were expanded.

pro familia in Germany today

Today, pro familia has the largest independent advice network in the whole of Germany, with more than 180 advice centers area wide. In addition there are four medical centers, where abortions and sometimes sterilizations are carried out (in Bremen, Mainz, Rüsselsheim and Saarbrücken).

200,000 people seek the advice of pro familia annually. In addition, the sexual education teachers reach 250,000 children and young people per year.

Over 5,000 members and over 1,600 pro familia employees form the basis of pro familia. On the one hand they have the competence for counseling and sexual education. On the other hand they have the competence to take a position on the topics of sexuality, partnership and family planning in expert discussions, in public and in policy, and commit themselves to the goals and interests of pro familia.

pro familia is the publisher of the only German speaking specialist magazine for family planning and sexual education – the pro familia magazine.

pro familia is a member of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband (Welfare Association) and the international family planning organization IPPF.

You can find further information on pro familia in Germany on the homepage of pro familia Federal Association.

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