NCJW Applauds Restoration of Access to Affordable Family Planning
March 11, 2009, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today applauded a provision of the FY 2009 omnibus spending bill that will restore access to contraception for millions of low-income and college women. NCJW President Nancy Ratzan issued the following statement:
"Since January 2007, an inadvertent legislative error has made it difficult for drug companies to supply contraceptives to community and college clinics at a reduced price, as they had been able to do for 20 years. This error has resulted in millions of college and low-income women losing access to affordable birth control. NCJW worked hard to fix this situation, and we are gratified to see it remedied in the omnibus spending bill for the 2009 fiscal year.
"Access to contraception is a fundamental right of all women and an integral part of health care. Ensuring that women, regardless of financial status or age, have access to family planning options is essential for women's equality and economic opportunity."
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Contact:
Emily Alfano
202 296 2588 x5; emily@ncjwdc.org