Biden-Harris Administration Takes Steps to Expand Access to Birth Control

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Biden-Harris administration proposed new regulations expanding access to birth control coverage without cost-sharing through employer-sponsored and university student health insurance plans, as required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If finalized, these rules would reverse a policy issued during the previous administration, which allows many employers to deny birth control coverage by citing moral objections. Although employers may continue to refuse to directly provide coverage for religious reasons, the proposed regulations seek to create a new pathway for patients insured through their plans to receive contraception coverage.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“Access to birth control is critical to reproductive freedom. It gives people the reins to decide their own futures. Employers and universities should not be able to dictate personal health care decisions and impose their views on their employees or students. The ACA mandates that health insurance plans cover all forms of birth control without out-of-pocket costs. Now, more than ever, we must protect this fundamental freedom. We appreciate the Biden-Harris administration for taking steps to reverse this harmful policy and continue to champion sexual and reproductive health care. We look forward to the administration using all levers of government to expand access to health care.”

Birth control is essential health care and critical to economic and educational success. Nearly 9 in 10 women of reproductive age have used contraception, and nearly 9 in 10 adults agree that everyone deserves access to the full range of birth control methods — no matter who they are, where they live, or their economic status. Since its passage in 2010, the ACA’s birth control benefit expanded contraceptive coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for more than 64 million women. 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all 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, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.