Physicians Applaud Passage of Birth Control Fix

Congress Restores Affordable Birth Control Prices for Millions of American Women

Yesterday’s passage of the 2009 omnibus appropriations bill included language that restored discount contraceptive prices for safety net clinics and college health centers. A loophole in the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act eliminated discounts that allowed clinics to provide birth control at greatly reduced prices to students and low-income women. Over the past year, members of Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH) have urged Congress to restore the discounts. Today, PRCH board chair Suzanne T. Poppema, MD, praised Congress for including the birth control fix in the 2009 appropriations bill:

“As a family physician, I know that reproductive health is a critical part of women’s overall well-being. Many of my patients needed contraception so they could work, go to school, and care for their families. In a time of economic uncertainty, providing low-cost birth control to students and low-income women is more important than ever.

“I am grateful to the many members of Congress who supported women’s health by including affordable contraception in the 2009 appropriations bill. Passing this provision will keep our nation physically and fiscally healthy. With no cost to taxpayers, the legislation allows nearly four million women who could not otherwise afford birth control to maintain healthy and productive lives.”