Planned Parenthood Praises Bipartisan Support for Women’s Access to Health Care in Senate Appropriations Bill

Partisan House Version Would Turn Back the Clock for Women

WASHINGTON—Planned Parenthood Federation of America released the following statement praising provisions  to expand access to woman’s health care passed in the Senate Appropriations Committee, including a bipartisan amendment adopted (19 senators voting in favor, including three Republicans, and 11 opposing) to permanently repeal the global gag rule. The Senate bill, which had overall bipartisan support (23 Senators voting in favor, 7 opposing) strips dangerous language passed last week in the House that would restrict women’s access to critical health care and interfere in the doctor-patient relationship. Representatives Nita Lowey, Rosa DeLauro and Barbara Lee offered amendments to protect international women’s health care programs, but they were defeated.

Statement from Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

"The bipartisan votes in the Senate Appropriations Committee to support measures expanding women’s access to health care are welcome signs of progress – especially after the House Appropriations Committee’s largely partisan attacks on women’s health earlier this week. The Senate bill eliminates dangerous provisions that would turn back the clock and interfere in a woman’s personal health care decisions," said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

"We commend Senators Shaheen and Collins for their successful bipartisan effort to protect U.S. foreign aid from politicized and harmful restrictions, especially reintroduction of the global gag rule.  Even though President Obama lifted the global gag rule more than four years ago, we are still fighting efforts from politicians who want to impose this draconian measure that harms women’s health by further restricting the availability of family planning and other reproductive health services around the world. 

"This should serve as a clear message to the House of Representatives that protecting women’s health care has broad bipartisan support, and these provisions should be preserved as these bills move forward."

###

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.