20 Attorneys General Join Fight to Protect 4 Million People’s Access to Reproductive Health Care

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Today, 20 attorneys general filed an amicus brief in support of Planned Parenthood’s request that a federal court issue a preliminary injunction to protect access to preventive care through Title X, the nation’s program for affordable birth control and reproductive health care. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra authored the brief, which was joined by attorneys general from Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

In late February, the Trump-Pence administration tried to completely remake Title X, the nation’s program for affordable birth control and reproductive health care that more than four million people rely on, so that it no longer focuses on providing that care and instead pushes abstinence and tries to keep patients from coming to Planned Parenthood. Now, these attorneys general are taking action against the administration’s illegal changes, which could have devastating consequences for patients.

Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

Every person — regardless of where they live, how much money they make, what their background is, or whether or not they have health insurance — has a right to access basic health care. That’s what Planned Parenthood fights for every day, and that includes preventive health care such as birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and regular check-ups. For many, it’s their only form of health care. That’s why we thank and applaud these attorneys general for fighting back against the Trump-Pence administration’s attacks on health care for the four million people that rely on Title X.

Statement from: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra:

All women, regardless of their zip code or economic background, deserve access to basic health services. Yet once again, the Trump-Pence Administration is taking our country backwards by making it harder for women to access healthcare. These new requirements are illegal, lack transparency, and undermine the longstanding, bipartisan Title X family planning program that helps millions of Americans. While the President continues to take action to undermine access to healthcare, California will keep fighting to protect the health of all Americans.

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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 600 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.