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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 5, 2017 11:51 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Reproductive Health Equity Act |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that will ensure that all of Pennsylvania’s women have access to a full range of preventive and reproductive health services, including well-woman care, contraception, and screenings as well as appropriate counseling for sexually transmitted infections, breast cancer, domestic violence, and breastfeeding. Under a separate piece of legislation, insurance coverage of abortion would also be required of certain health policies in the Commonwealth. As we all know, there have been many attempts at the federal level to repeal protections for women’s access to reproductive health care that are found in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). This rollback would have devastating consequences for the millions of women and their families who rely on the ACA for coverage of preventive services and leave many with higher out-of-pocket costs or unable to afford their health insurance altogether. My legislation seeks to codify in state statute the preventive and reproductive care requirements in the ACA and help further address barriers to quality, affordable health care for all Pennsylvanians. By mandating the coverage of essential health benefits, including access to contraception, we are ensuring that women receive adequate and comprehensive health care, regardless of income or health needs. The ACA has given millions of women in Pennsylvania and across the country access to meaningful and affordable coverage, thereby increasing their economic security and ending discriminatory practices that were commonplace prior to the expansion of health coverage requirements. Therefore, I welcome your support in the effort to safeguard this vital coverage in our Commonwealth and invite you to please consider joining me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |