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Filling a funding gap: an impact evaluation of the society of family planning
Thesis

Filling a funding gap: an impact evaluation of the society of family planning

Lauren Bruce
Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Drexel University
Jun 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3944
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Bruce_Lauren_2012911.25 kB
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Abstract

Society of Family Planning Contraception Abortion Public Health
Background: Almost half (49%) of all U.S. pregnancies are unintended. Of these, 43% end in abortion. Clearly, safe and affordable contraception and abortion services are vital for women to achieve their reproductive goals. Despite this major public health need, federal policies restrict funding for abortion research. SFP promotes scientifically sound research by funding studies on contraception and abortion, developing clinical guidelines, and advancing family planning knowledge to inform public policy. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate how SFP-funded research and SFP's evidence-based clinical guidelines have impacted family planning policy and practice. Methods: A review of legislative barriers to abortion research and a literature review of clinical guidelines provided important context for analyzing SFP's impact on the field. A semistructured, 30-question survey was sent to 309 SFP fellows to solicit their views about the impact of SFP's programmatic activities. In addition, two fellows who received SFP grants were interviewed about the impact of the grant on their research. Interview transcripts were coded in NVIVO 9.2 and analyzed for themes. Results: 171 fellows participated in the survey. They were comprised of physicians, clinicians, educators and social science researchers. Conclusions: SFP's main impact is contributing to knowledge about abortion and contraception and providing research support for typically under-funded research areas. SFP also attracts new researchers to the field, provides a supportive research community, and legitimizes family planning as a sub-specialization. Several fellows noted the need for more time for the research to have impact.

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