Reviews the history and development of the national family planning program and the means by which it has been funded and the current administrations proposals with regard to issues affecting family planning. The issue of block grants to states versus categorical federal funding is of special concern. The author concludes that the existing program should not be buried in block grants to states because experience indicates that this funding mechanism will not generate a nationwide program of services. The categorical approach has succeeded in creating and maintaining a flexible and cost effective program accountable to Congress the executive branch and the public. Funds provided in this way are responsible for nearly 1/2 of public support for the family planning clinic program which was estimated to have averted 5.4 million unintended pregnancies during the 1970s. Block grants would mean severe diminution of this support and would destroy the accountability and visibility which have guaranteed the programs effectiveness. Additionally the Center for Population Research which is responsible for funding most of the worlds investigations into new contraceptive methods and evaluation of existing methods would be jeopardized.