Contraception and Beyond: The Health Benefits of Services Provided at Family Planning Centers

n A large and growing body of literature explores the health benefits related to services received at family planning clinics. n Research indicates that family planning, including planning, delaying and spacing pregnancies, is linked to improved birth outcomes for babies, either directly or through healthy maternal behaviors during pregnancy. n Contraceptive methods have a range of benefits other than their primary purpose of pregnancy prevention. Contraception reduces pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of developing certain reproductive cancers, and can be used to treat many menstrual-related symptoms and disorders. n In addition to contraception, a range of other beneficial health services are available to clients at family planning clinics. Services to prevent, screen for and treat diseases and conditions such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, HPV and cervical cancer, as well as to address intimate partner violence, benefit both female and male clients who visit these clinics. n Because not all women have equal access to the many benefits of contraception and other health services, there is more work to be done in implementing programs and policies that advance contraceptive access and improve health outcomes for all women.