From the Guidelines
Neoliberal economic policies, including Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), have significantly reduced public health spending, limiting family planning programs and resulting in higher unintended pregnancy rates, increased maternal mortality, and population growth challenges. The reduction in public health spending due to these policies has led to a decrease in the availability of family planning services, including access to contracearks, education, and healthcare infrastructure. According to a study by the CDC and the U.S. Office of Population Affairs 1, family planning providers often serve as the usual source of healthcare for women of reproductive age, highlighting the importance of integrating family planning services into primary care. Key aspects to consider in addressing the impact of neoliberal economic policies on family planning include:
- Prioritizing sustainable funding for comprehensive family planning services
- Ensuring access to contraceptive supplies and educational outreach
- Developing economic policies that protect essential public health services during fiscal adjustments
- Strengthened, multidirectional care coordination to improve health outcomes, as recommended by the CDC and the U.S. Office of Population Affairs 1. In real-life clinical medicine, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of patients, particularly in regions heavily impacted by SAPs, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, by advocating for policies that support comprehensive family planning services and protect public health spending.
From the Research
Impact of Neoliberal Economic Policies on Family Planning Programs
- Neoliberal economic policies, including Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), have led to cuts in public health spending, resulting in reduced access to family planning programs 2, 3.
- The burden of unintended pregnancies remains high in many countries, with limited access to modern contraception and weak service delivery being major contributing factors 2.
- Family planning programs have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including preventing mother-child transmission of HIV, contributing to birth spacing, lowering infant mortality risk, and reducing the number of abortions 2, 3.
Availability of Family Planning Services
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide a range of family planning services, including on-site provision, prescription only, and referral options for various contraceptive methods 4.
- However, there is substantial variation in the delivery of family planning services at FQHCs, with some methods, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, being less likely to be provided 4.
- Youth-friendly family planning services, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), are essential for reducing unintended pregnancy among teens and young adults, but are not always readily available 5.
Access to Family Planning Services
- Family planning clinics continue to play an important role in providing reproductive health care, particularly for socially disadvantaged women, including those with lower incomes and without insurance 6.
- However, the availability and accessibility of family planning services can be limited by factors such as cost, inconvenient clinic hours, and limited training for healthcare providers 4, 5.