Family planning perspectives
-
Results from a 1995 survey of a nationally representative sample of 603 publicly funded family planning agencies reveal that 96% rely on federal funding, 60% on state funding and 40% on local funding to provide family planning and other services. Although only 25% of the contraceptive clients served by these publicly funded agencies--including health departments, hospitals, Planned Parenthood affiliates, independent agencies and community and migrant health centers--are Medicaid recipients, 57% have incomes below the federal poverty level and an additional 33% have incomes of 100-250% of the poverty level. Some 40% of the recipients of family planning services are black, Hispanic or from other minority groups, and 30% are younger than 20. ⋯ The pill is the only contraceptive method provided by all agencies, but 96% provide the injectable; at least 90% spermicide, the condom and the diaphragm; 78% periodic abstinence; and 59% the implant. The remaining methods are provided by fewer than 50% of agencies. Almost 70% of agencies have at least one special program of outreach, education or services to meet the needs of teenagers, but far fewer have special programs for such hard-to-reach groups as the homeless, the disabled or substance users.