WAEC Biology questions on Family Planning

Family planning is a key topic in human biology, especially in WAEC and NECO exams. It involves methods used to control the number and spacing of children in a family. This topic not only helps students understand reproductive health but also covers the biological, social, and ethical aspects of population control.

This post contains commonly asked WAEC-standard questions on family planning, model answers, and important revision points.

What Is Family Planning?

Family planning refers to the practice of controlling the number of children a couple has and the intervals between their births through the use of contraceptive methods.

It helps in:

Preventing unwanted pregnancies
Promoting maternal and child health
Controlling population growth

WAEC Biology Questions on Family Planning

Question 1:

Define family planning.

Model Answer:
Family planning is the practice by which individuals or couples control the number and spacing of their children using contraceptive methods.

Question 2:

List four methods of family planning.

Model Answer:

Use of condoms
Oral contraceptive pills
Intrauterine devices (IUD)
Withdrawal method

Question 3:

State two advantages of family planning.

Model Answer:

Helps in controlling population growth
Reduces maternal and infant mortality by allowing proper birth spacing

Question 4:

Differentiate between natural and artificial methods of contraception.

Model Answer:

Natural methods involve timing and behavior (e.g. calendar method, withdrawal).
Artificial methods involve the use of medical devices or drugs (e.g. condoms, pills, IUDs).

Question 5:

Mention two cultural or religious factors that may affect the acceptance of family planning in a community.

Model Answer:

Religious beliefs that discourage contraception
Cultural preference for large families

Common Family Planning Methods and Their Categories

Natural Methods:

Calendar (rhythm) method
Withdrawal method
Breastfeeding (lactational amenorrhea)

Artificial Methods:

Barrier methods: Condoms, diaphragms
Hormonal methods: Pills, injections, implants
Surgical methods: Vasectomy (males), Tubal ligation (females)
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

Why Family Planning Matters

Encourages responsible parenthood
Improves economic stability in families
Reduces overpopulation in communities
Protects health of mothers and children

Practice WAEC-Style Question

OBJECTIVES

1. Which of the following is the least safe method of birth control? Using
A. spermicide creams.
B. contraceptive pills.
C. barriers such as condoms.
D. the withdrawal method.

THEORY

1. State six advantages of using contraceptives in human populations

2. (a) List five birth control methods
(b) State five reasons why family planning is important to a nation.

3. List two birth control methods