Bill Overview
Title: Expanding Access to Family Planning Act
Description: This bill provides, subject to specified conditions, funding through FY2032 for federally funded family planning services and clinics. In particular, the funds must be used for (1) grants and contracts that support the provision of family planning services, and (2) clinic infrastructure (e.g., construction and renovation of clinics). Clinics that receive funding to provide family planning services must offer each patient with a positive pregnancy test the opportunity for nondirective counseling on (1) prenatal care and delivery; (2) infant care, foster care, and adoption; and (3) pregnancy termination. This counseling must include referrals if requested by a patient. Additionally, if a funding recipient makes subawards for the provision of family planning services, the recipient may not prohibit an entity from participating in a subaward program for reasons other than the entity's inability to provide family planning services.
Sponsors: Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in need of family planning services
Estimated Size: 70000000
- The global population of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) is around 2.2 billion.
- Family planning services impact individuals who are sexually active and within the reproductive age group.
- Both men and women can be clients of family planning services, though women are the primary focus due to reproductive healthcare needs.
- Worldwide demand for family planning and contraceptive services continues to grow, highlighting the broad scope of impact.
Reasoning
- Focused on diversity in age, gender, location, and occupation to cover a broad spectrum of potential impacts and opinions.
- Considered varying levels of policy impact based on accessibility and usage of family planning services.
- Balanced representation between individuals positively impacted, those with neutral views, and those who do not foresee a change.
Simulated Interviews
Student (New York City, NY)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm a college student and access to affordable contraception is very important to me.
- This policy could make it easier to receive counseling and services without worrying about costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Software Engineer (Austin, TX)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it provides a safety net for families like ours that might need these services occasionally.
- It's good to know there is supportive infrastructure, although we don't use it often.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Healthcare Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial for low-income patients that clinics like ours are adequately funded.
- This policy will likely improve our ability to provide comprehensive care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Small Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having access to family planning helps us decide when the time is right for more children.
- The policy supports our planning and family health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
High School Student (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 18 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's nice to know these resources are there if I need them in the future.
- Right now, it's not something that directly affects my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who relies on these services, I think this policy is essential.
- Affordable access helps me manage my reproductive health without stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired (Dallas, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although it doesn't affect me directly, supporting this policy is about supporting our community.
- Family planning services are foundational for well-being.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Freelancer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The services funded by this policy help give me peace of mind when planning visits with my partner.
- Being informed and prepared is empowering.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Intern (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to counseling and information through funded clinics is very helpful as I start my adult life.
- This policy could provide more clinics in areas that are currently underserved.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Healthcare Professional (Boise, ID)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a former professional, I see the value this policy brings to the community.
- Ensuring access to family planning services is crucial for all ages and stages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $550000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $460000000, High: $560000000)
Year 3: $520000000 (Low: $470000000, High: $570000000)
Year 5: $540000000 (Low: $490000000, High: $590000000)
Year 10: $590000000 (Low: $540000000, High: $640000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Key Considerations
- The target population includes a significant number of individuals who may not all receive services immediately, impacting ramp-up costs.
- Cost implications from infrastructure development are significant and require appropriate initial capitalization.
- Ensuring compliance with nondirective counseling policies may require additional administrative oversight.