Senate Passes Bill to Protect Access to Affordable Birth Control

TRENTON, NJ — Yesterday, the New Jersey State Senate passed S3804, a bill that protects and expands access to affordable reproductive health care by codifying existing protections afforded by the federal Affordable Care Act into New Jersey state law. These protections ensure individuals can access all FDA-approved methods of contraception through their insurance with no out-of-pocket costs.

Statement from Kaitlyn Wojtowicz, Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey:

“At Planned Parenthood, we support efforts to expand access to birth control and ensure that it remains accessible and affordable for those who want and need it. This bill helps ensure that New Jerseyans can access the affordable reproductive health care services they need and deserve.

“Access to affordable birth control is essential for the health and lives of New Jerseyans. 99 percent of sexually active women will use birth control at some point in their lives. Birth control advances women’s economic empowerment, educational opportunities, the well-being of children and families, and more.  And thanks to the federal Affordable Care Act, for individuals with private insurance coverage, all FDA-approved methods of contraception are available without copays or out-of-pocket costs, removing a major financial barrier.”

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization, and the advocacy arm of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates in New Jersey. We advocate for access to essential health care through education, activism, voter engagement, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy. For more information, visit our website at: www.ppactionnj.org.