In the face of possible cuts to family planning and healthcare in Congress, Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released a report breaking down the importance of Title X National Family Planning Program funding to New York City.
Title X is the only federal program that provides dedicated funding for family planning and related preventative health services, according to the comptroller’s office. The program supports services including cancer screenings (including cervical and breast), pregnancy testing, contraceptive counseling and services, pelvic exams, sexually transmitted disease testing, and infertility services along with health education and referrals for health and social services.
“Gutting Title X could have a catastrophic impact on New Yorkers who rely on this funding for healthcare. Leaving people uninsured, denying Americans cancer screenings, and putting medical care out of reach – all of it is totally backwards. It’s reckless, it’s cruel, and it will lead to suffering,” Stringer said. “These are essential services that are becoming the latest victim of Washington’s assault on common-sense. If Washington pulls the plug on these funds, those most in need will be hit the hardest. These policies are from a playbook from another century.”
Using data compiled from organizations that directly receive Title X funds, the report finds that between 2012 and 2015:
– 22 NYC health care providers received a total of $27.3 million in Title X funds, or almost $7 million annually.
– On average, Title X funds supported the care of 148,000 New Yorkers each year, many of them low-income women without health insurance.
– 10 NYC Health + Hospitals sites collectively received over $3 million in Title X funding that supported the care of over 30,000 New Yorkers each year.
According to federal data, in 2015 across New York State:
– 91 percent of clients served were women;
– 60 percent had incomes at or below the poverty line; and
– 32 percent lacked health insurance.
Click here to read the full report.
