The AHCA Would Have Devastating Consequences
Statement of Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation (NAF) on the passing of the American Health Care Act (AHCA):
If this health care repeal bill becomes law, it would have devastating consequences for millions of women and families. The core provisions of the AHCA are an assault on women’s access to health care, their financial security, and their ability to fully participate and contribute to our society. In addition to stripping health care coverage from 24 million Americans, this harmful bill would create a nationwide ban on abortion coverage, defund Planned Parenthood health centers, and once again allow people to be denied health care coverage based on their medical history.
Anti-choice politicians are using this bill to extend harmful abortion coverage restrictions to private insurance and prohibit individuals from using their federal tax credits to purchase any insurance plan that covers abortion care. Abortion coverage restrictions are already the most significant barrier to abortion access for low income women in the United States. The ban on abortion coverage in this bill would push critical care out of reach for many women.
This bill would discriminate against people—including women—with pre-existing conditions. Before the Affordable Care Act, childbirth, C-sections, infertility, and surviving domestic violence were all considered pre-existing conditions and grounds for discrimination by insurance companies. The AHCA would return us to the days when insurance companies could charge more or deny coverage to people based on their medical history.
This health care repeal bill would also defund Planned Parenthood health centers, which would prevent 2.5 million people from seeking the care they need from the provider of their choice simply because that provider’s services include comprehensive reproductive health care. As the professional association of abortion providers, we are proud to stand with Planned Parenthood. Our members include Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country who play a critical role in providing primary and preventative care to millions of people who would otherwise not be able to access the care they need. One in five women has visited a Planned Parenthood health center for care in her lifetime, and many rely on Planned Parenthood as their primary health care provider. We should be increasing access to health care providers, not denying access in order to score political points.
The U.S. Senate must stop this devastating bill before it jeopardizes the health and lives of millions of Americans.
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CONTACT:
Alissa Manzoeillo, National Abortion Federation
202.667.5881, ext 219; 202.595.4395 (after hours/cell)
amanzoeillo@prochoice.org
The National Abortion Federation (NAF) is the professional association of abortion providers. Our members include individuals, private and non-profit clinics, Planned Parenthood affiliates, women’s health centers, physicians’ offices, and hospitals who together care for approximately half the women who choose abortion in the U.S. and Canada each year. Our members also include public hospitals and both public and private clinics in Mexico City and private clinics in Colombia. Our mission is to ensure safe, legal, and accessible abortion care, which promotes health and justice for women.