Planned Parenthood Welcomes Executive Order to Increase Access to Birth Control
For Immediate Release: June 23, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, one day before the one-year marker of losing the federal right to abortion, the Biden-Harris administration announced an executive order directing federal agencies to take steps to strengthen access to contraception through private health insurance and federal programs. Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, released the following statement:
“Access to affordable birth control is a critical part of protecting our reproductive freedom. Although birth control will never replace the need for abortion access, it is more critical than ever for people who want to prevent pregnancy in states that restrict or ban abortion. Planned Parenthood is appreciative that the Biden-Harris administration is taking this important step and looks forward to seeing the implementation of this executive order. We will continue to work with the administration to protect and expand access to reproductive health care for all.”
The executive order will direct federal agencies to:
- Ensure private health insurance covers all FDA-approved, cleared, and granted contraceptives;
- Consider new actions to improve access to affordable over-the-counter contraception;
- Expand access to contraception through Medicaid and Medicare, at Title X health centers and at colleges, and for service members, veterans, and Federal employees; and
- Support research to document gaps and disparities in contraceptive access.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all 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, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.