“Few things are more important to women’s health than making family planning services, cancer screenings, screenings and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and well-woman exams accessible to all who need them. The proposed rule the Obama administration issued on Friday evening can help do just that, protecting access to health care supported by Title X, the nation’s family planning program, for some four million low-income people in this country.

We strongly support the proposed rule, which will prevent politicians from ignoring the law and denying Title X funds to highly qualified health care providers and entities that can offer the services people need in their own communities.

When politicians target access to health care, it hurts communities that already face systemic barriers to health care access, including communities of color. This new rule would help ensure that Title X funds are available to qualified family planning providers who are able to serve patients who would very likely otherwise go without the care they need.

We commend the proposed rule, which offers promise to improve women’s health, and urge its speedy adoption.”