​The authors of this study examined the association of adolescent birthrates (ABRs) with access to and receipt of publicly funded family planning services in California counties provided through two state programs: Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, and the Family Planning, Access, Care, and Treatment (Family PACT) program.

The study's findings show that a higher access rate to Family PACT in a county was associated with a lower ABR when controlling for unemployment rate, percentage of foreign-born adolescents, and percentage of adult low-income births. Efforts to reduce ABRs, specifically in counties that had persistently high rates are critical to achieving a healthy future for the state and the nation. Family PACT played a crucial role in helping adolescents avoid unintended and early childbearing. Data from 2005 and 2007 California Health Interview Surveys were used in this study.