Planned Parenthood Calls on Congress to Address Rising Drug Prices

House to vote on H.R. 3, which would help reduce high costs for patients

WASHINGTON — As the U.S. House of Representatives announced an impending vote on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), Planned Parenthood Federation of America released the below statement of support.

Statement from Jacqueline Ayers, Vice President, Government Relations & Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Health care is not accessible if it is not affordable — prescription drugs are no exception. Planned Parenthood health centers are trusted providers of sexual and reproductive health care services, including birth control, STI testing and treatment, well-patient visits, and cancer screenings. High drug costs across the entire health care system have a deep impact on our patients, especially for people of color and those with low incomes who face systemic and disproportionate barriers to care. We applaud Speaker Pelosi and champions in the House for their significant work on H.R. 3, and look forward to working with Congress to address the rising costs of drugs.”

For many patients, and specifically for women, high costs of drugs can result in truly untenable choices, including forcing patients to weigh food costs for a family against paying for life-saving medications. A majority of women who access care through publicly funded family planning providers said birth control has allowed them to take better care of themselves or their families (63 percent), complete their education (51 percent), support themselves financially (56 percent), or keep or get a job (50 percent). It is critical that all legislative proposals targeted at reducing drug costs directly impact the burden of these high costs on patients. 

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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.