846 



mise for the development of new methods to regulate fertility. In- 

 vestigations are also going forward on the medical effects of contra- 

 ceptive agents now in use, particularly as to whether there is any con- 

 nection between the use oi oral contraceptives and the incidence of 

 cerebrovascular and other disorders. 



In 1970 the Center supported nine projects on the medical effects 

 and mechanism of action of steroid contraceptives and lUDs, fields in 

 which research is considered important for family planning the world 

 over. The Center also funds considerable contract research in demog- 

 raphy, as well as projects in the social and behavioral sciences. A num- 

 ber of contracts relate specifically to population problems and pro^ 

 grams in the developing areas : for example, one study covers urbani- 

 zation, migration, and fertility in Thailand. 



The Food and Drug Administration supports research to evaluate 

 the safety of oral contraceptives. The Health Services and Mental 

 Health Administration supports research in mental health and be-" 

 ha\doral aspects of fertility, and in the operational aspects of family 

 plannincj services. It also provides academic training or field obser- 

 vation for foreign physicians and health personnel in family plan- 

 ning. The Social and Rehabilitation Service, another HEW unit, 

 supports research ovei*seas in the operational side of family planning 

 projects, and also provides training opportunities in the social aspects 

 of family planning for paticipants sponsored by the U.N., AID, or 

 other national or international organizations. For example, it co- 

 operated in planning the 1970 International Conference on Social 

 AV<»rk Education, Population, and Family Planning, which was spon- 

 sored bv the Council on Social Work Education and supported bv 

 AID. 



THE I'NITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY 



In contrast with the role of HEW, that of the United States In- 

 formation Agency (USIA) is relatively modest. However it is not in- 

 significant. Its principal function is to disseminate information, par- 

 ticularly to foreign opinion leaders, in order to increase awareness and 

 understanding of population growth and family planning. In those 

 LDCs with programs to check expanding populations, the USIA tries 

 to strengthen public interest in and support for these programs, but 

 within the bounds set by the policies of the particular country and the 

 sensitivities of its people. Its information activities relate population 



{)r<»blems to housing, education, health, and the ability of the particu- 

 ar country to achieve its own development goals. Materials are pre^ 

 paied in support of U.S. policies and programs, but empha<sis is also 

 given to the role of international agencies, especially those connected 

 with the U.N., and even to programs sponsored by agencies in other 

 countries. USIA posts and libraries abroad make available copies of 

 pertinent speeches, articles, and other materials on population and 

 family planning prepared by governments, by international institu- 

 tions, and by private organizations and individuals. This service is in 

 line with USIA's recognition of the fact that population growth and 

 distribution are matters of worldwide concern. 



