FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 14, 2017
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, 202-293-3114 ext. 207, asandusky@nfprha.org
NFPRHA Urges House to Block Rep. Black Resolution
Statement from Clare Coleman, President & CEO of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA)
WASHINGTON, DC – “On behalf of the network of publicly funded family planning providers, including state and local health departments, hospitals, family planning councils, federally qualified health centers, Planned Parenthood affiliates, and other private non-profit organizations, NFPRHA strongly opposes H.J. Res 43, the congressional disapproval resolution that would block a regulation clarifying and reinforcing existing provider protections within the Title X family planning program. The regulation, finalized December 2016, prevents states from discriminating against highly qualified family planning providers by explicitly reinforcing that program grantees cannot exclude providers for factors unrelated to their ability to deliver high-quality family planning and sexual health care.
“Discrimination in any form is reprehensible, and in this instance, could have far reaching consequences for the millions of poor, low-income, and uninsured individuals that rely on the safety net as their usual, and oftentimes, sole source of health care. Those who support this resolution are effectively supporting efforts to erode access to cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, and contraceptive services for the most vulnerable among us.
“Congress should be working across the aisle to ensure that safety-net providers are well-equipped and ready to meet the high standard of care that the program requires, with nurse practitioners, nurses, doctors, and educators trained and focused on providing high-quality services, from contraception to cervical cancer screenings. It should not be seeking to contradict our nation’s public health goals and emboldening politicians to restrict patients’ access to their preferred providers.
“At a time when there is increased demand for publicly funded family planning, it is staggering that we are fighting back against major threats to the very program that delivers these essential services. Lawmakers should support their communities and reject this harmful resolution.”
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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.