FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 25, 2015
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, 202-293-3114 ext. 207

Supreme Court Decision Secures Affordable Access to Care for Millions

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) issued the following statement in response to today’s US Supreme Court decision in King v. Burwell, attributed to NFPRHA’s President & CEO Clare Coleman:

“Today’s ruling by the high court in King v. Burwell is a major victory in the efforts to improve the quality, affordability, and accessibility of preventive health services, including contraception, in the country. The Supreme Court upheld Congress’ intent to provide financial assistance to individuals seeking affordable health coverage, regardless of whether they reside in a state that opted to operate its own marketplace under the Affordable Care Act. 

“Financial assistance has made a difference in the lives of millions across the country, including those who receive health care in the family planning safety net. Just yesterday, the House Appropriations Commitee passed the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (L-HHS) fiscal year 2016 funding proposal that would eliminate funding for the Title X family planning program and deny access to family planning care to nearly 4.6 million women and men nationwide. The Senate appropriations bill would slash Title X funds by $28.7 million (10%) to 257.8 million.

“Today’s decision gives a measure of security to patients and to the providers who care for them. As more people gain insurance, NFPRHA will continue to work with Congress and the administration to ensure everyone has equal access to the essential health benefits available under the law.”

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NFPRHA represents the broad spectrum of family planning administrators and clinicians serving the nation's low-income and uninsured. NFPRHA’s more than 840 member organizations operate or fund a network of nearly 5,000 health centers and service sites that provide comprehensive family planning services to millions of low-income and uninsured or underinsured individuals in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam.