Facts About the National Family Planning Program Title X (ten) of the Public Health Service Act
Overview
The national family planning program, Title X (ten) of the Public Health Service Act, was established in 1970 with broad bi-partisan support. The original measure was introduced by then Representatives James Scheuer (D-NY) and George Bush (R-TX), and Senators Joseph Tydings (D-MD) and Charles Percy (R-IL). The program provides federal funds for project grants to public and private nonprofit organizations for the provision of family planning information and services which:
- improve maternal and infant health;
- lower the incidence of unintended pregnancy;
- reduce the incidence of abortion; and
- lower rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
What services does Title X provide?
Services supported by Title X include contraceptive information and the provision of all contraceptive services, as well as gynecological examinations, basic lab tests, and other screening services for STDs and HIV, high blood pressure, anemia, and breast and cervical cancer. Also provided are pregnancy testing, sterilization services, natural family planning, and community education and outreach. Title X prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for abortions.
Where do people receive services?
Title X clinic sites include state and local health departments, hospitals, university health centers, Planned Parenthood affiliates, independent clinics, and other public and non-profit agencies. Although we refer to these providers as a network, it is not one uniform system, but represents adaptation to the unique health care delivery systems and needs of different states and localities across the country. Thus, Title X clinics are community-based providers. Title X-funded clinics are located in every state, three-quarters of U.S. counties, and virtually every congressional district in the nation. They serve as the entry point to the health care system and the only source of service for millions of Americans.
Who receives services through Title X?
Title X clinics primarily serve low-income Americans. Eighty-three percent of Title X clients had incomes below 150 percent of the federal poverty level in 1997. The vast majority of Title X clients are uninsured and do not qualify for Medicaid. Title X clinics provide services free of charge to clients whose incomes do not exceed 100 percent of the federal poverty level and services are offered on a sliding fee scale for clients with incomes up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
