Editing Pru U'Revu (Be Fruitful and Multiply) (section)

== Encouraging Childbirth ==
The Rebbe spoke strongly about the obligation of the mitzvah of priyah v'rivyah, and against "family planning." Particularly, the Rebbe launched a broad campaign on this topic in the summer of 1980.

The Rebbe expressed that people of modern movements calling for family planning reverse the order and make darkness into light, claiming that blessing in the home depends on a small family, while the opposite is true: the greatest blessing is in having many children. It can be seen throughout the generations, when people lived normal lives - everyone knew and understood that another child is a blessing. However, since the approach of "family planning" began to spread - it brought tremendous damage and undermined relationships between husband and wife, causing many to need psychological treatments and the like. Therefore, it is absurd to actively reject one of the greatest blessings that Hashem gives to a person. Even if one has halachic justifications why it is permitted, if a person does a true cheshbon hanefesh about what is Hashem's will and where the desire for family planning comes from - they will undoubtedly reach the conclusion that they should strive to increase their family as much as possible, and since this is an act shared between parents and Hakadosh Baruch Hu, one must consider the opinion of the third partner, Hashem.

The Rebbe emphasized the importance of increasing childbirth especially in our generation, after the Holocaust that physically destroyed, Hashem yishmor, an important part of Am Yisroel, and as a way to bring Moshiach.

The Rebbe called to raise awareness at every opportunity about encouraging childbirth and rejecting family planning, and wondered why various gatherings don't address this fundamental issue. This topic should also be raised with non-Jews, who are also commanded on "lasheves yetzara," and moreover: when one influences the non-Jew, it will also affect the Jew himself.

The Rebbe even established a worldwide support network called 'Shifra and Puah,' aimed at assisting women giving birth and providing them with needed support to ease the birthing period and everything involved.