These are uncertain times for women’s health including contraceptive access. At the Federal level, we have seen policy proposals that threaten access to contraceptives mandated by the Affordable Care Act. These potential threats endanger the health and economic security of at least 2.5 million women in Pennsylvania who depend on the coverage funded by their employers for access to affordable, effective contraceptives. These targeted and cruel assaults on women’s health must end. As such, I plan to reintroduce my bill from last session. House Bill 1140 passed out of the House with notable bipartisan support in an effort protect women’s health in the Commonwealth.
 
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports access to contraceptives and recognizes that contraceptives are an integral component of women’s health care. Contraceptives are not only a means for women to prevent an unwanted pregnancy but are also often utilized as a life-saving medication for women often overlooked in the debate over women’s health treating conditions like endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
 
Contraception is health care, and employers and the government should not be permitted to decide what medical care a woman has the right to receive. These decisions should be left to the patient and their doctor. Access to health care is inextricably linked to economic mobility, and basic preventative care like birth control should not be a luxury that is only available to some. As Legislators, we should be reducing barriers to health care, not creating more.

With that said, I encourage my colleagues to strongly consider joining the fight once again by co-sponsoring this important legislation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Takesha Latham in my Harrisburg office via email at tlatham@pahouse.net.