Source: American Academy of Family Physicians’ Advocacy Insider and AAFP News
In response to a proposal to revise Title X regulations, the American Academy of Family Physicians urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to protect the patient-physician relationship, and warned HHS that a proposed change would “force family physicians to omit important and accurate medical information necessary for our patients to make timely, fully informed decisions.”
The HHS website refers to Title X as “the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services.” It is intended to provide access to contraceptive services, supplies, and information to everyone, especially those with low incomes.
In the related AAFP News article, AAFP President Mike Munger, MD, is noted saying that “More than 8.7 million women gained maternity care services thanks to this coverage, and 62 million women with private insurance now have access to vital preventive services.”
“The AAFP opposes legislative or regulatory restrictions on information that can be given to women, or policies that force physicians to provide women with inaccurate information,” he added. “This could lead to increased rates of unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and undiagnosed medical conditions. Research shows women who have unplanned pregnancies are more likely to delay prenatal care, increasing the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and poor mental and physical development in early childhood.”