Federal Judge Threatens to End Preventative Care Protected Under Affordable Care Act, including PrEP, Cancer Screenings, Some Medications

WASHINGTON — Today, Judge Reed O’Connor — a federal judge in Texas notorious for ruling against the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — declared parts of the ACA’s preventive services provision unlawful. For over ten years, the ACA has required most private health insurance plans and Medicaid expansion programs to cover a range of recommended preventive services without any patient cost-sharing. This ruling immediately blocks the nationwide requirement for insurers to cover certain types of preventative care recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, such cancer screenings, HIV prevention medication, mental health screenings, and screenings for pregnant people. The Biden administration is expected to appeal the ruling.

While this decision does not strike down the ACA’s birth control coverage requirements, this case, Braidwood v. Becerra, is one of many ongoing lawsuits that threaten access to sexual and reproductive health care. 

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

“This decision is as infuriating as it is harmful. Preventative health care covered by insurance is essential and has helped people live healthier, longer lives. Now, because of one federal judge in Texas, the millions of people who benefit from vital health care like PrEP, cancer screenings, and more may be stripped of their ability to access the health care they need. 

“As we have said time and again, our opponents were never satisfied with just overturning Roe v. Wade. All of our health, rights, and freedoms are at risk. This is not the last attempt to restrict sexual and reproductive care, and we encourage the Biden administration to appeal this ruling as soon as possible. Make no mistake, Planned Parenthood will continue to do everything possible so that people can lead healthy lives.”

Restrictions on access to sexual and reproductive health care disproportionately harm Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, who already face barriers to health care due to systemic racism and discrimination. Rural communities and young people also face disproportionate barriers to sexual and reproductive health care access. 

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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.