Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule clarifying regulations for family planning services under Title X of the Public Health Service Act—a move to help protect access to family planning services for women most in need. The regulation will take effect on January 18, 2017.
Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Jamila K. Taylor issued the following statement:
Title X clinics are critical to ensuring access to family planning services for low-income women, immigrant women, and women of color. With the broad range of family planning methods and services these clinics provide, women are able to plan their families and, in turn, lead healthier, more productive lives. When safety net programs such as Title X are restricted from providing health services, it has a ripple effect on women, their families, and the communities in which they live. I commend the Obama administration for taking this important step forward in protecting access to family planning and preventive health services.
As the Center for American Progress outlined in a 2014 report, Title X supports a variety of types of public clinics, including health departments; federally qualified health centers, or FQHCs; centers operated by Planned Parenthood affiliates; and centers operated by hospitals and other agencies. Title X programs provide services that include screening for cervical and breast cancer, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, HIV testing and referral for treatment, contraceptive services, pregnancy testing and counseling, preconception health services, services to aid with achieving pregnancy, and basic infertility services.
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For more information or to speak to an expert, contact Chelsea Kiene at [email protected] or 202.478.5328.