House Bill To Support Unintended Pregnancy Prevention And Parenting Programs A Welcome Step, Says ACLU

Bill Would Improve Lives Of Women And Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312; media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON – An important bill aiming to improve access to reproductive health care and meet the needs of women and families was introduced in the House of Representatives today. The “Preventing Unintended Pregnancies, Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act,” sponsored by Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), would fund a wide range of programs that improve women’s reproductive health, prevent unintended pregnancies and increase support for parenting.

“The ACLU welcomes this bill, which will increase access to contraception, help meet the needs of many pregnant and parenting women and improve the lives of women and families throughout the country,” said Vania Leveille, ACLU Legislative Counsel.

The bill also includes provisions to expand Medicaid coverage for family planning, support pregnant and parenting college students, expand adoption assistance, encourage conversations about sexuality between parents and teens and improve sexuality education and other programs to ensure that teenagers make healthy and responsible decisions.

“A woman facing an unintended pregnancy needs the opportunity to make the best decision for her circumstances, whether her decision is raising the child, adoption, or abortion,” said Leveille. “We urge Congress to not only pass this legislation, but also to ensure that a woman who needs to end a pregnancy has access to the care she needs. This bill is a strong beginning, not the last word, on meeting the health care needs of all women.”