Planned Parenthood Applauds House Passage of Paycheck Fairness Act 

Wage rates continue to reflect cycle of economic discrimination against women of color 

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the United States House of Representatives passed long overdue legislation to combat wage discrimination, the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 7). Currently, women in the United States make 82 cents for every dollar paid to men — and women of color make even less, with Black women making 63 cents and Latinas making 55 cents for every dollar paid to white men. Pay inequity inflicts even greater harm on people who face intersecting forms of discrimination, based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, as well as race and gender.

Statement from Jacqueline Ayers, vice president of government relations and public policy, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“Planned Parenthood applauds Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and the other champions for economic equity who fought tirelessly to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act in the House today. We have long known pay inequities are unsustainable and part of a system that oppresses women of color, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made this issue all the more stark. Women of color make up more than half of all frontline workers and this pandemic has compounded the demands placed on them and the economic hardships they face. All people deserve to be paid fairly for their work. Now the Senate must pass this legislation immediately to help ensure that income inequity does not continue to be the norm of our country.”

Designed to strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Paycheck Fairness Act would help eliminate the gender wage gap and guarantee that people can challenge pay discrimination and hold employers accountable.

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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.