Press Release

Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. welcomed the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to Washington today to help stop the disastrous Graham-Cassidy health care bill and celebrate World Contraception Day. They released the following statements:

"The Graham-Cassidy health care bill was an assault on women's health that would have gut access to reproductive care. I am glad it's been defeated," said Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. "As a doctor, I took an oath to put my patients first. My job is to answer their questions, talk about the risks and benefits of options available, and then empower them to make decisions that best fit their lives. Access to affordable contraception is critical for women's reproductive health. It enables women to live healthier lives and enhances their economic security. There's no greater decision than when to start a family and become a mother. Protecting access to reproductive health care is at the core of any doctor's oath."

"World Contraception Day (WCD) marks the critical role contraception plays in advancing women's health care and building robust societies everywhere," said Haywood Brown, M.D., president of ACOG. "Every year, contraception helps to prevent a staggering 188 million unintended pregnancies worldwide. By empowering women with choices about if, when, and how they want to start a family, contraception ensures women can align their reproductive health with social, educational, professional and financial priorities. As a physician in the United States Congress, Representative Bera is uniquely positioned to protect Americans' access to care and keep politics out of the exam room. As Congress continues to debate health care legislation, WCD shines an important light on the need for continued and increased access to and coverage of contraceptive care for America's women. At the moment when the World Health Organization and health experts from across the globe promote access to contraception, the United States should reject efforts to take our country backward."

"As a practicing physician, I see firsthand the vital role contraception plays in my patients' lives," said Katie McHugh, M.D., junior fellow at ACOG. "Access to contraception ensures young patients can finish their education without interruption; patients with heart problems can prevent unplanned and high risk pregnancies; and patients with young children can space their pregnancies as works best for their family. World Contraception Day highlights the many important ways contraception allows women to move through their daily lives, in control of their reproductive health. As a physician, Representative Bera shares this understanding and I appreciate his efforts to keep shared decision making about health care between patients and their physicians. It's essential that we continue to guarantee patients' access to the affordable contraception of their choice. We can't turn back the clock on women's health."