Planned Parenthood Supporters Meet with Congressman Steve Cohen | Health

On February 24, 2012, a group of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis (PPGMR) supporters met with Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) at his district office in downtown Memphis to thank him for his stance on birth control access. Representative Cohen sent a letter to President Obama asking him to stand strong on HHS requirements guaranteeing coverage of birth control without copays.

The provision under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, means that employers are required to offer insurance that covers women's preventative health care at 100% without co-pays. Birth control is one of the preventive services covered under the provision, but women will also be guaranteed well woman exams, cancer screenings including screening mammograms, domestic violence screening and counseling and osteoporosis screenings for women over 60, all without co-pays.

PPGMR Board Member Katy Leopard checked her 7-year-old daughter, Nonie,  out of school so that she could meet the Congressman. “I thought it would be a great learning experience for Nonie. We are fighting to make sure that she has access to a full range of preventive health care when she grows up. She’s the future of our movement."

"Birth control is preventive health care for women," said PPGMR CEO Barry Chase."In addition to preventing unplanned pregnancies and allowing women to space their child bearing, as recommended by health experts, many women take hormonal birth control to regulate their periods or treat hormone imbalances. It is basic health care for women."