Blumenthal & Murray Applaud Administration Action to Protect Womens' Health Services

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded a proposed rule to reinforce existing protections in the Title X family planning program that prohibit states from excluding women's health providers for reasons unrelated to their ability to provide Title X services effectively. The Obama Administration’s proposal follows a disturbing trend of state-based political attacks have limited access to critical health care services – including cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing and treatment, and well-woman exams.

“I welcome this long-awaited, well-overdue clarification of outdated regulations that will help ensure that all people have access to critical health care services through the Title X family planning provider network. These safety net providers are important partners in expanding access to health care for every American, no matter who they are or what their economic circumstances may be,” Blumenthal said. “This rule will serve as an important bulwark against the politicization of women’s health care and the resulting discrimination impacting medically underserved communities. I applaud the Administration for taking this important step.‎”

“This is a strong step in the right direction to protect women and their health care needs no matter which state they live in,” said Murray. “I applaud Secretary Burwell for strengthening Title X and helping to make sure that patients and their care come before politics and ideology when it comes to our critical federal health care investments‎.”