BREAKING — Court Stops Trump’s Assault on Birth Control Coverage in 13 States 

WASHINGTON –– Just now, a federal court in California issued an injunction blocking the Trump-Pence administration’s latest attack on affordable birth control. In November,  the administration released sweeping new rules to cut the Affordable Care Act’s guarantee for birth control coverage with no out-of-pocket costs. This follows a decision on Dec. 13, 2018 in which a federal court in California upheld an injunction against the previous version of the same rules from taking effect in California, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The rules seek to allow virtually any employer or university to refuse birth control coverage if they have a moral or religious objection.

Statement from Dr. Leana Wen, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

Women in 13 states and Washington, DC can continue accessing affordable birth control tomorrow. We are now waiting on a Pennsylvania court to see whether women in the remaining 37 states will be able to do the same.

“As a doctor, I cannot believe that we are still debating birth control in 2019, something that nine in 10 women will use in our lifetimes. Affordable, accessible birth control is why the U.S. has reached the lowest unintended pregnancy rate in 30 years. It’s time that politicians recognize birth control as health care and that women, in consultation with doctors, decide what contraception we receive — not our employers.

Data shows that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe women should have birth control coverage, regardless of their employer’s personal objections. The rules put the Trump-Pence administration in direct opposition to the overwhelming majority of voters.

This decision comes as the administration is soon expected to advance a “gag rule” policy designed to dismantle Title X —  the nation’s program for affordable birth control, and the one program meant to ensure that people with low incomes have access to birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings, and other essential reproductive health care. Planned Parenthood health centers serve 41 percent of the four million patients who receive care through this program.

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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.