The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer The relationship between family planning and poverty reduction was once a topic that consumed the mind of parliamentarian and medical doctor Bernard Nottage. When he put himself forward as a proponent of the idea in the 1990s, he took hits from all corners, even amongst members of the Women's Suffrage movement. Speaking at the CR Walker Memorial Lecture during the 40th annual Scientific Medical Conference two weeks ago, Dr Nottage reflected on his journey in the medical field, taking particular interest in his contributions to the shaping of family planning policy. The Bain Town Member of Parliament said he believed if Bahamians turned to family planning measures, they would be able to determine the number of children they wished to have; learn to space out pregnancies, and ensure a healthy balanced family life, which would eventually help combat poverty. His views were not always shared by all. "I think that in those early days of empowerment, the remarks were born out of the fear that the 'power majority' of the population rested to a large extent in their numerical superiority, and that any advice to have fewer children could lead to a diminution of that power," said Dr Nottage. "Of course, my view was that one of the issues which limited the upward mobility of black people in the Bahamas was the difficulty in providing, food, shelter, clothing and educational opportunities for large numbers of children. I felt that if families had fewer children, their resources could be better managed and eventually they would be able to take advantage of whatever opportunities the country offered," he said. As time went on, the public came around, including the women, he said. "I think that time has proven me to be right. I have no doubt whatsoever that with the emergence of the women's rights movement, globally, shortly thereafter, women in the Bahamas as women elsewhere, embraced the concept and practice of family planning. The nation's vital statistic will show this," said Dr Nottage. Despite the opposition, Dr Nottage remained determined to convince Bahamians of the significant value of family planning. Even before becoming a politician, Dr Nottage said he was chosen to draft the first family planning policy for the consideration of the then government. When he was appointed Minister of Education in 1990, he moved to have family life classes included in the school curriculum. Dr Nottage was a founding member and past president of the non-profit Bahamas Family Planning Association. Over the years the non-governmental organisation launched many initiatives to increase the awareness of family planning measures. In October 1996 the association launched a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programme which was introduced in high schools across the Bahamas.