| Abstract: | County clinics reached an estimated 4% of eligible women in 1964 in Georgia. Continuing high crude birth rate showed a large gap between those eligible and interested and those, particularly nonwhites, being served. Although family planning was offered in 133 of 157 counties, the statewide postpartum return rate was only 24% in 1963-4. The maternal mortality rate in Georgia in 1964 was 5.7/10000. Of the 57 maternal deaths, 14 were associated with abortion and 15 with parities of 5 or more. Infant mortality rates were also higher than national figures, 29.2/1000. In November, 1974 State Health Department officials and prominent doctors reorganized the program to offer newer, more modern methods, e.g. oral contraceptives and IUDs, summarized the terms of state subsidization, and enabled clinics to consider systematically all the medical requirements for use of modern methods. Because of cost efficiency and ease of use, the IUD was the mainstay of the program. County acceptance increased steadily since June 1965. By 1966, 96 counties had plans for expanding services. By the end of 1965, 2434 devices were inserted, 832 women accepted oral contraceptives, and 4649 women were using traditional methods. |
