Planning the number and spacing of children has a direct link to the health of mothers and children, and plays a large role in determining the quality of care that parents can provide for their children. To emphasize its importance in Timor-Leste, the Government chose the theme Family Planning: It's a right. Make it real. as the theme for this year's World Population Day, observed worldwide on 11 July.

José Reis Magno, National Director for Community Health, Ministry of Health, sees family planning as a national priority. Speaking at a press conference at UNMIT Headquarters, he said that Timor-Leste is vulnerable to problems faced by many developing nations because of its high fertility rate. "If this is not addressed, our increasing population will affect all our resources, including food, water and the health and well-being of our mothers and children," he told journalists.

Family planning is crucial for the overall development of a nation. It is one of the most significant factors in reducing poverty as it allows governments to plan for health care, education, and infrastructure to support a growing population. This is especially important in Timor-Leste whose maternal mortality and fertility rates are among the highest in the region. On average each Timorese woman has 7.8 children, and few pregnant women receive prenatal care.

To assist the Timorese people with the planning of their families, the Government has established family planning services in health centres throughout the country with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
According to the United Nations, family planning is a fundamental human right that allows parents to make informed decisions about the size of their families and to determine the spacing of children. Smaller sized families have a better chance of providing access to health care and education for all their children. For women, family planning can increase opportunities in life by preventing early or unplanned pregnancies.