NEW YORK, NY–(ENEWSPF)–October 15, 2013. Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards released the following statement in response to reports that some extreme politicians in the House of Representatives are again pushing for any measure to fund the government or avert default to include a provision restricting women’s access to no copay birth control and other preventive care under the Affordable Care Act:
“It is incredible that a narrow group of far-right politicians want to take away women’s access to birth control in order to re-open the federal government. This is the same group of politicians that pushed for the government shutdown in the first place — not the ones working to avoid a debt default and reopen the government.
“This is a misguided and extreme agenda that would take away health coverage for millions of women. Already, 27 million women across the country have been able to receive health care without a copay thanks to the Affordable Care Act’s preventive benefit, and an estimated 47 million will benefit when the law takes full effect.
“Although this isn’t the first time they’ve tried, it’s alarming how far some Tea Party members in the House will go to attack birth control and other basic preventive health care for women. Congress should listen to the American people and focus on re-opening the government rather than pushing an extreme agenda attacking women’s health.”
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 750 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
Source: plannedparenthood.org
