Previous empirical work has demonstrated that the structure of reproductive health policies affects their effectiveness. In other words, the ability of a policy to meet its stated goals depends on how it is written. This paper extends that work by presenting an analytic framework of how policies may be rendered less effective by changing their structural components. This analytic framework is illustrated by recent examples from Title X of the Public Health Service Act (domestic family planning services program)and Title X of the Foreign Assistance Act (international population assistance). Given the recent transition in American government, this work is particularly timely. Conclusions from the application of this framework should be helpful to advocates for reproductive health in both domestic and international settings.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will learn about the structural elements of a successful public health policy. 2. Participants will be able to identify the points at which a successful public health policy may be undermined in order to render it less effective. 3. Participants will learn about the specific structural components of both Title X of the Public Health Service Act and Title X of the Foreign Assistance Act. 4. Participants will be able to assess the most effective points for advocacy in the development of a public health policy.
Keywords: Family Planning, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.