Enacted in 1970 with broad bipartisan support, Title X of the Public Health Service Act is the only federal program exclusively dedicated to family-planning and reproductive health services. Title X has been a pivotal part of the nation’s family-planning program for more than 30 years, providing millions of women with services ranging from contraception to pap smears and breast cancer screening. Many women rely solely on Title X clinics for their basic health care.
Under the program’s guidelines, Title X clinics must provide pelvic exams and pap smear tests; breast exams and education regarding self-examination; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); infertility screening; and referrals to specialists. The guidelines also recommend that Title X-funded agencies should offer other health promotion/disease prevention services such as screening, immunization, nutrition services, and general health education and counseling.
Unfortunately, current funding levels for Title X are inadequate. If Title X funding had increased at only the rate of inflation from its FY’80 funding level of $162 million, it would now be funded at more than $699 million. Title X’s funding level is less than half that amount – $283 million. At a minimum, Title X needs to be funded at $375 million to maintain the quality services. Notwithstanding, the Bush administration repeatedly recommends no funding increase for the program.
