ACOG Statement on Contraceptive Coverage Under the ACA

Washington, DC – The following is a statement from Maureen G. Phipps, MD, MPH, chief executive officer of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision about contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act:

“Contraception is an integral part of comprehensive health care. Insurance coverage of birth control is essential for patients to be able to access this needed preventive service.  ACOG is still reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision, but it is clear that once again the health of our patients has been subject to regulatory and legal scrutiny that is not medically or scientifically grounded. 

“Evidence has repeatedly shown that the freedom to choose if and when to become pregnant can improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients, their families, and their communities. In addition, the Affordable Care Act’s birth control provisions have provided our patients with the ability to control their own reproductive health. These gains are now in jeopardy after today’s ruling. 

“Denying our patients unimpeded, affordable access to the care they need, including all safe and effective methods of contraception, will exacerbate health inequities in the United States.”

ACOG’s amicus brief can be found here.