Planned Parenthood Praises Introduction of EACH Woman Act

Applauds Women’s Health Champions for Supporting Low-Income Women Seeking Safe, Legal Abortion

WASHINGTON, DC – Planned Parenthood Action Fund applauded Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) for introducing the EACH Woman Act alongside Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and 100 other members of Congress. The Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Woman Act seeks to end restrictions on abortion coverage in public and private health care programs. 

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, in support of the EACH Woman Act:

“The EACH Woman Act, introduced today, lifts abortion coverage restrictions to ensure that every woman, no matter her income, location or insurance coverage, can make her own decisions about her pregnancy.

“Just last week, millions of women and concerned citizens came together at marches across the globe to encourage forward movement on access to health care, including allowing women to make personal decisions without interference. The EACH Woman Act is exactly the kind of progress we were marching for.

"We thank Representatives Barbara Lee and Jan Schakowsky, along with the nearly 100 other Representatives for introducing the legislation. These leaders understand that we cannot move backwards on access to health care. We need to ensure there are fewer barriers, especially for people who already have limited access to proper care. Millions of women, especially people of color, low-income families and immigrants still encounter many barriers to health care – this legislation will allow every woman to access the health care she needs.” 

The EACH Woman Act makes a meaningful policy change for women and their families, creating two important standards for reproductive health:

• First, it sets up the federal government as a standard-bearer, ensuring that every woman who receives care or insurance through the federal government will have coverage for abortion services. 

• Second, it prohibits political interference with decisions by private health insurance companies to offer coverage for abortion care. Federal, state and local legislators will not be able to interfere with the private insurance market to prevent insurance companies from providing abortion coverage.

###

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 over 650 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.