There is a growing recognition that population pressures, while not the cause of a war, can be a significant contributing factor. From 1960 to 2021 Sudan’s population has grown from 7.54 million to 45.66 million (world data.info). This extreme population growth has clearly stressed resources in the country. There is a strong lack of availability of family planning services in many parts of the country. Funding increases for international Planned Parenthood could help with this problem. There are cultural and religious factors at work that discourage limiting family size. Population Media which uses “entertainment as education” , has had some presentations in Sudan.

Women’s reproductive rights are difficult issues to address, but the monetary cost of war and the tragic personal suffering suggest that increased planning, problem solving ideas, and funding in this area would be a good investment. Any US funding sent to Sudan should include some expectations that family planning services be increased. There will be benefits for all of us to pay more attention to women’s reproductive rights globally.