The United States National Family Planning Program, 1968-74

In the United States, there are currently an estimated 30 million women at risk of unwanted pregnancy; of these, more than 12 million low-and marginal-income women aged 20-44 and adolescents of all incomes appear to be in need of subsidized family planning services. A family planning delivery system capable of serving approximately one-half of these women has been rapidly organized: the clinic program has grown from 900,000 clients in 1968 to 3.4 million in 1974, and the private sector is assumed to be providing care for 3 million more. The allocation of federal funds, the enactment of supportive policies and laws, and the organization of a specialized and centralized agency in the federal government have been factors in the initiation and expansion of family planning services.