POWER TO DECIDE HAILS THE PASSAGE OF THE EQUAL ACCESS TO CONTRACEPTION FOR VETERANS ACT

(Washington, D.C.) — Today, in a 245-181 bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act (H.R.239). The bill would ensure that veterans have access to contraception without a co-pay, a benefit presently available to civilians.

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most private health plans must cover all birth control methods approved by the Federal Drug Administration without cost-sharing. Unfortunately, the ACA does not extend to the Veterans Administration (VA) and veterans covered by the VA must still pay a co-pay for many contraceptives.

“Co-pays for contraception are an expensive barrier which often make contraception cost prohibitive and out of reach for too many people,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO, Power to Decide. “Veterans struggling to make ends meet face the same challenges in accessing contraception and deserve nothing less than the same no co-pay benefit presently available to civilians.”

The use of contraception is widespread as well as support for its availability. Studies show that 99% of women who have had sex have used a method of contraception at some point in their lives, including 98% of Catholic women. In addition, the majority of adults—regardless of race or ethnicity, region and political affiliation—support access to all methods of contraception. This includes 95% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans. Research also shows that minimal costs associated with contraception lead some to forgo contraception completely, choose less effective methods, or use it inconsistently.

“Contraception is basic health care and support for contraception is widespread regardless of party affiliation or faith,” continued McDonald-Mosley. “Continued efforts to politicize contraception risk the health and ability for many to live life on their own terms. All people including veterans deserve unfettered access to contraception and ensuring such access is our duty as a grateful nation. We thank the members of Congress who voted for this bill and urge the Senate to take action to fix this injustice.”

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant or have a child. Please visit us at www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.