After reviewing the mental health implications of unregulated fertility in the areas of illegitimacy, premarital pregnancy, poverty, postpartum psychosis, and overpopulation, the author concludes that family planning services can be an important addition to preventive psychiatry techniques. Psychiatric centers might feasibly offer case-finding, education, and referral services and, in some instances, direct contraceptive advice to their clients. At the level of community action, psychiatrists can also help to educate community leaders and the public about the need for expanded family planning services.Abstract Teaser