Krueger re-introduces bill to ensure equitable access to contraceptives
Rep. Leanne Krueger March 29, 2022 | 12:52 PM
HARRISBURG, March 29 – State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-Delaware, re-introduced legislation today that would expand and protect access to contraceptives.
During the summer of 2020, a Supreme Court decision allowed virtually any employer to opt out of the Affordable Care Act mandate to provide contraceptive coverage if they object to birth control on religious or moral grounds. That ruling endangers the health and economic security of at least 2.5 million women in Pennsylvania who depend on this coverage for access to affordable, effective contraceptives.
“Our bill, the bill we’re introducing today, House Bill 2454, would protect access to this important form of health care by making sure that individuals and insurers in Pennsylvania have to provide coverage for contraception,” said Krueger. “The medication that we are talking about today is used for birth control, but it is also medication that treats many other medical conditions.”
Krueger was joined at today’s new conference by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara, Morgan Cephas and Bridget Kosierowski; Lindsey Mauldin, vice president for advocacy and public policy, Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania; and two Planned Parenthood patients.
"Birth control is essential medication that treats serious conditions and allows people to plan if and when they get pregnant,” said Mauldin. “We support Representative Krueger’s legislation to expand access to affordable contraception, regardless of insurance status or employer. We need to expand access to reproductive health care so every person — regardless of race, income level, insurance status, or where they live — has the ability to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. Thank you to Representative Krueger for introducing this important legislation."
“As an 18-year-old who was in pain, had no one to talk to and needed help, the care and information I received at Planned Parenthood and the ability to manage my painful periods using birth control was life changing,” said Stephanie Lane, 43, from Enola.
Alexandra Smith, 28, from Mechanicsburg, said, “I am so proud to support the reintroduction of Representative Krueger’s contraceptive access bill, this is a hugely important resource necessary for protecting and sustaining a healthy community. On January 6, 2021, I had a contraceptive device implanted into my arm. I finally felt safe existing in my own body. This is so important to my healing.”
House Bill 2454 has been assigned to the House Insurance Committee.
A video recording of the news conference can be found at this link: https://fb.watch/c2T8D7WawN/.