Trump Administration Takes Direct Aim at Birth Control Coverage

(New Haven, Conn.) – The Trump administration has taken direct aim at birth control coverage for more than 62 million American women, eliminating the guarantee they had for coverage for birth control regardless of who they work for. On Friday, October 6, 2017, they announced a sweeping new rule to eliminate the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that all insurance plans must cover birth control without a co-pay or otherwise ensure access to birth control coverage for women whose employers or schools can legally opt out of providing coverage.

Statement from Amanda Skinner, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England

“Birth control is not controversial – it is basic health care the vast majority of women will use in their lifetime. We are talking about a fundamental right – to be able to decide whether and when someone wants to have children. We cannot let the government and politicians take that right away from millions of people in this country in a blatant attempt to roll back the progress women have made over the past century.”

Statement from Dr. Abigail Cutler of the CT chapter of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

“Contraception is an integral part of preventive care and a medical necessity for women during approximately 30 years of their lives. Since the Affordable Care Act increased access to contraceptives, our nation has achieved a 30 year low in its unintended pregnancy rate, including among teens. Any move to decrease access to these vital services would have damaging effects on public health and would essentially, turn back the clock on women’s health.”