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Access to birth control in US should improve under health reform law

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Summary of story from Womensenews, cialis August 1, 2011

Anti-choice politicians in the US are challenging federal funding for Planned Parenthood clinics in a number of different states, including North Carolina, Indiana, Nebraska and Kansas (see WVoN coverage).

New Jersey Planned Parenthood is already experiencing the effects of cuts to its budget, with low-income and uninsured women hit hardest in terms of access to birth control services.

By 2014, however, the federal rules for health insurance providers may dramatically increase the availability and affordability of birth control, especially for those who earn too much for Medicaid and do not have private insurance.

Under the Affordable Care Act (which takes effect on January 1 2014), access to affordable birth control should increase considerably and eligibility for Medicaid should be expanded.

Another glimmer of hope for improved access in 2014 came on July 20, when the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a branch of the National Academy of Science charged with updating the list of preventive health measures for women for health reform, recommended including birth control on the list (see WVoN story).

“The IOM recommendation confirms that prescription birth control, along with other key health care services, such as annual exams and HIV screening and counseling, are critical preventive services that improve the health of communities across the country,” said Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, in a press statement.

Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius is expected to respond to the recommendations tomorrow.

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