Family Planning's role

Dear Editor,

Are you sure you really know what family planning is all about?

The Family Planning program of People's Family Health Services has provided services in McCook for many years. There continue to be a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes about the services that are provided.

Ever since I started working with Family Planning I have found it very sad that the wonderful services provided by the agency are overshadowed by a service that we cannot provide.

The National Family Plannning, Title X of the Public Health Service Act was established in 1970.

The Title X program is an integral component of our nation's health care system, providing high-quality contraceptive services and other preventive health care to millions of Americans, many of whom are low income and uninsured and otherwise would lack access to such services.

The goals of Family Planning are to prevent unintended pregnancies, promote responsible behavior, reduce the number of abortions, lower rates of STDs including HIV, and improve reproductive health.

Family planning does not provide abortion services. Title X has very strict regulations and statute prohibits the use of program funds to pay for abortions and abortion-related services.

Family Planning serves anyone who requests our services.

Title X clinics provide services free of charge and on a sliding-fee scale. No one can be denied services because of inability to pay.

To further educate yourself on Family Planning, please feel free to contact us at 111 West C Street in McCook. Our phone number is (308) 345-2336 and toll free is (877) 800-2050.

Tina Schultz,

Clinic manager,

McCook