A new design for government family planning programs is proposed in "Family Planning Programs: An Economic Approach," the principal article in this monthly publication of The Population Council. The design is intended primarily for low-income countries that seek large and rapid reductions in fertility. Thirteen elements of the proposed system of incentives and services are listed, with particular emphasis on monetary payments to women who avoid births or pregnancies. Provision of services; client and service unit personnel incentives; follow-up care; training, education, and communication; research, evaluation, and reporting; and cost-benefit estimates are described. Also included in the paper are two additional reports: "Village Midwives in Malaysia" and "Report of the Swedish Abortion Committee." The first presents the results of an informal questionnaire administered to village midwives in Malaysia recruited for a training program to provide health services in remote areas. The second is a brief review of the Swedish position on legalized induced abortion over the past three decades and a summary of the recommendations made by the 1965 Committee on Abortion. (BL)