Planned Parenthood Applauds Bipartisan Support for Critical Health Care Programs
For Immediate Release: Sept. 26, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed funding for important health care programs as part of a FY 2019 appropriations package, which included the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (Labor-HHS). The Senate passed the same appropriations package by 93-7 on Sept. 18, 2018, and it will now go to President Trump for his signature.
Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
Without champions for reproductive health care in Congress, we would not see continued funding for programs such as Title X, the nation’s program for affordable birth control. By passing this bill, Congress is taking a step forward in ensuring that critical health care services can be delivered to millions of people, including cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and comprehensive sex education. However, we are disappointed with the significant increase in funding for abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, which have been proven to fall short of the goals to help young people have safe and healthy relationships. We call on Congress to ensure people across the country have access to the best medical care and information possible, which means ending funding for this ideological, program and increasing funding for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.
Furthermore, this appropriations package includes a temporary extension of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) through December 7, despite efforts to reauthorize the program earlier this month by reproductive health champions in Congress. It has previously been reauthorized for five years at a time, and it is disappointing that members have chosen to punt it instead of prioritizing women’s health and safety. Planned Parenthood will look to Democrats and Republicans alike to move a full reauthorization quickly.
###
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 more than 600 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.