Abstract
Description is given of the development of a state-funded family planning education program in a voluntary hospital located in a suburban-rural New York county of 206500 where only 8% of 4497 medically indigent women received contraceptive services. The family planning program proposed would be staffed by a full-time professional nurse who would counsel all women on the Obstetric-Gynecologic service with follow-up care especially for low-income women provided by a non-professional aide. Transportation and child care to facilitate postpartum care would also be offered. In the first 6 months of the program 289 (53.2%) of 544 obstetrical patients attended a group class while an additional 121 (22.2%) had individual counseling. Of 134 women (24.6%) not attending class 19 (14.2%) were discharges 28 (20.9%) were too ill to attend and 50.7% showed lack of interest. IUD use increased with 9.8% of the 544 delivered patients becoming acceptors. Physician enthusiasm for the program increased significantly. It is indicated that initiation of a family planning program requires persistent leadership and that women were responsive to effective efficient contraceptive education from a professional nurse. Further efforts are needed to ensure that all women who desire contraception receive continuous medical supervision.
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