Texas Clinics Struggle Amid Family Planning Cuts

Three health care providers in Austin are warning that reductions in family planning money could impact low-income patients in the region. Officials from Planned Parenthood of Austin Family Planning (PPA), People's Community Clinic (PCC), and El Buen Samaritano (EBS) held a press conference Sept. 1, saying an estimated 7,270 uninsured patients could lose access to free services, including screenings for STDs and cancer.

This year, the Texas Legislature approved almost $1.4 million in family planning cuts. PCC lost its entire $527,000 annual allocation; EBS lost nearly $400,000; and PPA lost $474,000. In addition, two other providers, Central Health's CommUnityCare clinics and the Lone Star Circle of Care, received word the state will provide a three-month grant to allow for the "transition to a new service model." After Nov. 30, grants will be distributed on a competitive basis.

"Texas is third in teen pregnancy and first in repeat pregnancies" nationwide, said Dr. Celia Neavel, director of adolescent health for PCC. "Travis County is in the top five statewide [in teen pregnancy rates]. These cuts are really going to have a significant impact on us."

The groups are seeking money from donors and other sources in a bid to prevent a rise in teen pregnancy and STD rates. "The community support is invaluable, and that's great for the short term, but we lost a 40-year partnership with the federal/state government to fund these essential services," said Sarah Wheat, interim co-CEO of PPA. PCC and PPA said they may have to ask women to contribute more to their care.

Back to other news for September 2011