ACOG: ACA Repeal Would Devastate the Health of America’s Women and Families

Washington, DC—Haywood L. Brown, M.D., president of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), released the following statement in response to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s pledge to vote on repeal of the Affordable Care Act:

“The Better Care Reconciliation Act is terrible for women’s health, and repeal is even worse. It’s not worth a minute of serious consideration. It will not help patients or improve our nation’s health care system. Repeal is a desperate political gamble with patients’ health to score an empty political point.

“Clearly, ‘health care reform’ in the US Senate has been a political exercise from the beginning with no interest in what’s best for patients—particularly women and families. The CBO estimates repeal would leave 32 million Americans without insurance and double premium costs by 2026.Millions of women would be left unable to access essential preventive care, like cancer screenings, maternity care and contraception. Repeal would bring our progress in lowering America’s unplanned pregnancy and maternal mortality rates to a screeching halt and turn back the clock on women’s health.

“Instead, the US House and Senate should work with ob-gyns and other physician experts on bipartisan practical solutions. We need an open process with public hearings, public input, and expert nonpartisan analysis.

“ACOG’s message is simple and consistent: No one should lose the coverage they have today. Every member of the US Senate must protect Americans’ access to affordable, safe and quality health care by voting NO on repeal of the ACA.”

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