Planned Parenthood of Illinois Offers Free Birth Control Through New ABC Initiative
For Immediate Release: Feb. 8, 2019 (Updated: Feb. 8, 2019, 4:01 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2019
Starting in February Eligible Patients Can Choose Their Preferred Method of Contraception During Health Center Visit
CHICAGO (February 8, 2019) Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) proudly announces its new Access Birth Control (ABC) initiative. Eligible PPIL patients can now access their preferred method of contraception at no charge. The ABC initiative will be in place until 2021. More information is available at www.ppil.org/abc.
“The ABC initiative eliminates cost obstacles patients may face. We're providing free birth control, so patients can get their preferred method,” said Jennifer Welch, President and CEO at PPIL. “Cost shouldn't be a determining factor when choosing a birth control method. The ABC initiative allows patients to decide the best method for them regardless of price. Increasing access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare remains our priority, despite the challenges of America’s complex health system.”
The ABC initiative offers the following methods for no-cost for all patients, including:
- Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) including the intrauterine device (IUD) and implant
- Oral Contraceptive Pills
- Injectable Birth Control (Depo-Provera)
- Vaginal Ring (Nuva Ring)
- Condoms
As a trusted reproductive health care provider in Illinois for nearly 100 years, PPIL is taking the next steps to remove barriers that prevent patients from getting the care they need. Patients who are eligible for free birth control include: uninsured patients who pay out of pocket, privately insured patients without contraceptive benefits and individuals who are unable to afford contraception even on a sliding fee scale. Patients are responsible for the cost of the visit at the appropriate fee based on their financial class.
PPIL helps all patients get the tools and information they need to live their healthiest lives. PPIL health centers are staffed with skilled healthcare professionals providing high-quality, affordable medical care.
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Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) provides affordable, high-quality reproductive health care services and medically accurate sexual health education to women, teens and men throughout Illinois. Through medical services, educational programs and advocacy efforts, PPIL works to ensure and protect the reproductive rights of each individual. For more information, visit www.ppil.org.