ACOG Condemns House Vote and Urges Senate to Protect Coverage of Title X Care for Low Income Patients

Washington, DC—The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released the following statement on the United States House of Representatives passage of H.J.Res. 43, that would allow states to exclude federally qualified providers from participating in the Title X program:

“The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is deeply disappointed in the U.S. House of Representatives passage of H.J.Res. 43. The resolution allows states to discriminate against women’s health care providers for reasons unrelated to qualifications or best practices. Under this resolution, states could disqualify health centers, including Planned Parenthood, from providing Title X contraceptive and preventive care to over four million individuals.

“The Title X program is the only federal grant program exclusively dedicated to providing low-income patients with access to effective family planning and related preventive health services, including contraceptive care. Contraceptive access is essential to helping women achieve greater educational, financial, and professional success and stability. It’s critical to the economic success of this population.

“Contraceptive access also results in significant cost savings to our nation by reducing unintended pregnancies. Currently, our nation’s unintended pregnancy rate is at a 30-year low, and we have the lowest rate of teen pregnancies in our history. These monumental successes are due in large part to increased access to contraception for our patients – often through Title X clinics. By passing this resolution, the House is willing to turn back the clock on this historic decline in unintended pregnancy rates, and increase health care costs.

“Decisions about women’s health care should not be rooted in partisan politics, but should focus on increasing access to safe, effective, and timely care for all women. ACOG urges the Senate to reject H.J.Res. 43, and ensure women continue to receive the essential primary and preventive care they need."

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org