Planned Parenthood Federation of America Applauds President Obama's Creation of White House Council on Women and Girls

Lauds Appointment of Longtime Women’s Advocates Jarrett and Tchen

Washington, DC — Planned Parenthood Federation of America applauded President Barack Obama for signing an executive order today establishing a White House Council on Women and Girls under the leadership of longtime women’s advocates Valerie Jarrett and Tina Tchen.

“We applaud President Obama for the creation of this council and for his leadership on behalf of women and girls across the country,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.  “In these tough economic times, American women and their families are struggling with a wide range of issues, not the least of which is access to quality, affordable health care. We look forward to working with the president and the White House Council on Women and Girls on issues that are critical to strengthening women’s health, including providing comprehensive health care information and services, reducing unintended pregnancies and decreasing the alarming number of sexually transmitted infections.”

America currently leads the most developed countries in the world in the number of teenage pregnancies; at least one in four teenage girls has a sexually transmitted infection that could alter the course of her life; and an estimated 750,000 teenagers will become pregnant this year.

These tough economic times are especially difficult for women struggling to pay for basic health care. According to the Women's Research and Education Institute, women of childbearing age spend 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men, in part because of reproductive health-related supplies and services.

Americans are doing the best they can to make healthy decisions that protect themselves and their families, but a new study from the Center for American Progress indicates14,000 Americans are losing health coverage every day, making access to basic reproductive health care more important than ever.

As the nation’s most trusted reproductive health care provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood is committed to ensuring that all Americans receive the quality, affordable health care services they deserve.

Planned Parenthood was invited to today's ceremony announcing the White House Council on Women and Girls, and was represented by Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy Laurie Rubiner.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.