Growth and development of a family planning service at a large municipal hospital.

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Abstract
In January 1964, the Family Planning Clinic at Metropolitan Hospital was officially opened, offering help to anyone wishing contraceptive advice. The hospital is a 1,000 bed municipal teaching institution of New York Medical College, located in the section New York City known as Spanish Harlem. The area served by the hospital is one of economic deprivation, poor housing and low educational level. The growth and development of the clinic is described including clinic administrative and procedural organization. Abortions at the hospital declined from 1,175 in 1960 to 805 in 1966, deliveries from 4,360 to 3,100. The unrestricted contraceptive service is probably a contributing factor. The broader and currently unmet needs and objectives of the program as part of a total maternal and infant care service are discussed.