The Pence Amendment Jeopardizes Women’s Access to Basic Health Care

During debate on the Continuing Resolution for fiscal year 2011, the House adopted an amendment offered by Representative Mike Pence (R-IN) that would take all federal funds away from Planned Parenthood clinics. This targeted amendment puts the health of millions of low and middle-income women at risk by eliminating their primary source of preventive health care and family planning services. Not only would this amendment eliminate the provision of cancer screenings and other vital health services for women, but it represents a direct attack by Members of Congress on women’s ability to control their own reproductive health.

This document is an update to our previous fact sheet on the Pence Amendment.

Eliminating Funding for Planned Parenthood Will Result in Millions of Women Losing Access to Preventive Care

Planned Parenthood health centers currently provide preventive services to millions of Americans in need of health care, including the provision of contraception, cancer screenings, breast exams, and STI and HIV testing. In fact, over 90% of health care offered by Planned Parenthood health centers is preventive. Despite the accompanying rhetoric, the Pence Amendment does not in any way prohibit taxpayer funding of abortion, since federally funded health care clinics are already prevented from using federal funds to pay for abortion services. Eliminating Planned Parenthood’s funding is instead a clear attack on women’s ability to access contraception and other basic, preventive health care.

The Pence Amendment Will Mean Women Will Lose Their Trusted Health Care Provider

Planned Parenthood health centers provide a safety net for women who might otherwise go without family planning services or primary care, and many individuals depend on Planned Parenthood health centers for the majority, if not all, of their health care. More than 6 in 10 women who access health care at a women’s health center considered it to be their main source of health care. This is due not only to women often being under or uninsured, but the fact that in certain communities and rural areas, Planned Parenthood health centers are the only facilities that offer women’s health care.

The Pence Amendment is Extreme and Sets a Dangerous Precedent

This highly politicized amendment demonstrates a complete disregard for the health of women in this country, especially the health and lives of low-income women. The amendment would strip millions of women of essential health care services in a time of severe economic need.

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The Pence Amendment Jeopardizes Women’s Access to Basic Health Care