Title X improves access to most and moderately effective contraception in US safety net clinics, 2016–2018

• Published in: Health affairs (Project Hope) 2022-04, Vol.41 (4), p.497-506
• Main Authors: Darney, Blair G., Biel, Frances M., Hoopes, Megan, Rodriguez, Maria I., Hatch, Brigit A., Marino, Miguel, Templeton, Anna, Oakley, Jee, Schmidt, Teresa, Cottrell, Erika K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0278-2715; 1544-5208
• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01483

Community health centers (CHCs) are a crucial source of care for reproductive-aged women. Some CHCs receive funding from the federal Title X program to provide family planning services. We described provision of most effective (intrauterine devices and implants) and moderately effective (short acting hormonal methods) contraceptive methods in a large network of 384 CHCs across 20 states, 2016–2018. Title X clinics provided more most and moderately effective contraception at all time points and for all age groups (adolescent, young adult, adult). Title X clinics provided 52% more (aRR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.88) most effective contraceptives to women at risk of pregnancy than those not funded by Title X. This finding was especially notable for adolescents (58% more; aRR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.02). Title X clinics play a key role in access to effective contraception across the United States safety net. Strengthening the Title X program should continue to be a policy priority for the Biden-Harris administration.