Since the birth control pill was legalized in 1960, it and other methods of contraception have given more women the ability to control the size of their families and timing of their pregnancies. Family planning clinics provide birth control, education, and general reproductive health services, to men, women and teens. Some may provide abortion services. In California, Family PACT, Planned Parenthood and Family Planning Associates Medical Group are three major family-planning clinic networks and service providers.
Significance
Family PACT is a California program which provides reproductive health services, including gynecological exams and services, birth control and counseling, and disease prevention and treatment. Family PACT reports that for every dollar the state spends on family planning, it saves $9.25 on future unintended pregnancies. In May 2010, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released a proposed state budget that would significantly reduce the funding for Family PACT.
Function
Family planning clinics in California, including Family PACT offer family planning counseling, birth control methods, sexually transmitted infection (STI) counseling including HIV, STI screening & treatment , pregnancy testing & counseling, and some cancer screening & referral.
Another leading clinic in California, Planned Parenthood, is a nonprofit organization which may also provide abortion services, and men's health services. Its website offers comprehensive information on birth control, pregnancy and infection prevention.
Family PACT
Since 1999 California's Family PACT program has operated through a combination of federal Medicaid and state government funds, allowing it to provide services to residents who live at or under 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Providers and clinics are located throughout California. Residents must apply and qualify for Family PACT, but will receive its services at no cost once accepted. You may be eligible if you have no medical insurance, or have other financial constraints.
Planned Parenthood
With over 100 clinics just in California, Planned Parenthood is another leading provider of family planning clinics, and has been a provider for 90 years. Many clinics offer services at a sliding scale fee-cost for those with no insurance or teens. Prospective patients should call in advance to confirm services and fees.
Family Planning Associates
Located primarily in in Southern California, Family Planing Associates Medical Group is a fee-based network of clinics offering a range of women's reproductive health services including birth control, first- and second-trimester and medical abortions, and gynecological exams. FPA also offers a 24-hour nurse triage phone line. FPA is the first family planning clinic to be certified by the California Medical Association and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
