There is increasing recognition of the importance of the man’s role in the contraceptive decision-making process. In January 2000, California’s publicly funded, clinical family planning program for low-income women and men, Family PACT, was enhanced to provide more services to men. Services include reproductive health exams; contraceptive methods, including barrier methods, vasectomy, and fertility evaluation; STI screening and treatment; HIV screening; and education and counseling. In FY 99/00, more than 95,000 male clients were served under Family PACT, representing 8% of all clients served. About half of male clients were between the ages of 20 and 34; one-quarter were under the age of 20, and the other quarter were aged 35 or over. Most clients were Hispanic (73%) or white (11%). Almost all reported either Spanish (63%) or English (34%) as their primary language. Compared to female clients, male clients were slightly older and were somewhat more likely to be Hispanic and to report Spanish as their primary language. Male clients were more likely than female clients to be served at private providers, 58% compared to 40%. Eighty-two percent of male clients received services related to barrier methods. In December, 1999, California was awarded a Section 1115 Waiver Medicaid Demonstration Project for Family PACT. Men are one of the three hard to reach groups targeted for outreach in this five-year demonstration project, and efforts are underway to increase participation, improve retention and meet the needs of this important segment of the reproductive population.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 1) Describe the publicly-funded family planning services available to men in California, and 2) Describe the trends in male participation in the Family PACT Program, and 3) Describe strategies to increase the participation of men in family planning and reproductive health services.
Keywords: Family Planning, Male Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Department of Health Services family planning program - Family PACT
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.