Family Planning Services: A History of U.S. Federal Legislation

Abstract

U.S. Federal legislation related to family planning services for women has been an ongoing process for several decades. Over the years numerous researchers have written about and speculated on many different Congressional acts germane to family planning. Most of these studies, however, have limited their discussions to a specific piece of legislation, its implications, and/or social consequences. The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive (but relatively brief) history of federal legislation related to family planning services for women of all ages. The list of bills and acts is long and dates back to 1935.