FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 12, 2017
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, (202) 344-5805, asandusky@nfprha.org
House Eliminates Cornerstone Public Health Program
Statement from Clare Coleman, President & CEO of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA)
WASHINGTON, DC – “In a stark departure from earlier calls from House Republicans to ‘not take one dollar’ from the Title X family planning program, the House Labor-HHS Subcommittee today issued a fiscal year 2018 funding proposal that would eliminate funding for Title X, denying preventive health services, including breast and cervical cancer detection, screening for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV testing, and contraception to more than 4 million low-income people every year.
“Title X is a real lifeline to patients who already face tremendous barriers in their lives. If they cannot come to the publicly funded family planning provider they know and trust for confidential, high-quality care, they go without that care. This bill being advanced will force an untold number of health centers across the country to shut their doors. Without the safety net, millions will have no source of health care.
“The unintended pregnancy rate is at a record low and the rate of teen pregnancy is at a 30-year low. If Title X is eliminated, we will reverse those public health gains. Women will be more vulnerable to STDs and at a greater risk of unintended pregnancy and poor birth outcomes. This subcommittee bill must go no further.”
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The National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) is a membership organization representing providers and administrators committed to helping people get the family planning education and care they need to make the best choices for themselves and their loved ones. NFPRHA works to enhance the ability of thousands of nurse practitioners, doctors, and other health professionals to provide high-quality family planning care through training and advocacy. For more information, visit nationalfamilyplanning.org.