Title X of the Public Health Service Act: Impact on Family Planning, Abortion & Teen Services

Family planning is a key aspect of many women, both those who are married, in a committed relationship and to those who are single. From contraception to abortion to fertility treatments and pregnancy, millions of women are addressing issues of family planning each and every day.

For some women, specifically those who are at-risk or considered to be of low income, the ability to access healthcare and family planning services often falls under a federal program known as Title X. Originally created in 1970, Title X of the Public Health Service Act began providing family planning services to women who were unable to financially pay for services in full.

Also known as the Family Planning Program, it is estimated that more than four million women each year obtain services under the Title X program through funded clinics and healthcare facilities across the United States. Clinics such as Planned Parenthood utilize Title X funds to aid women in preventing and avoiding unintended pregnancy.

In addition to women, Title X programs also provide family planning services to men. While only a small fraction of the clientele are men, the family planning services are available but not widely promoted among the male population.

One area of high debate under Title X is the provision which allows for adolescents to receive medical attention without the involvement of a parent. While parental involvement is highly encouraged, the clientele of many Title X clinics consist of one-third adolescents, many of which fail to report their family planning services to a parent.

While most Title X funds are given to state and local medical clinics, there are private organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, who utilize Title X funds to support their family planning services to at-risk or low income women. The caveat with this funding, however, is the clinic's inability to promote or perform abortion. As a result, Planned Parenthood clinics across the country, while providing and promoting abortion, do not do so with Title X funds.