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Congressman Marc Veasey

Representing the 33rd District of Texas

Veasey Statement on Texas’ Decision to Remove Planned Parenthood from Medicaid Program

Dec 21, 2016
Press Release

Dallas / Fort Worth, TX - Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement after Governor Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced that it would remove Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program:

“Once again Governor Abbott and his administration have proved that they do not value the health and well-being of Texas’ low-income residents. The removal of Planned Parenthood from the Medicaid program means that Texas women will no longer have access to critical preventative and reproductive healthcare from a trusted medical provider for services such as breast cancer screenings, birth control, and HIV testing.

Texas Republicans’ outdated views on family planning do nothing to empower women and their families for success in the 21st century.  Planned Parenthood offers a critical health life-line for those who are uninsured because of Texas Republicans failure to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Texas Republicans must be reminded that under the ‘freedom to choose’ Medicaid provision, they cannot pick and choose which providers are suitable for Texas women based off their political agenda. Despite Texas Republicans’ continued attacks on Planned Parenthood, I will continue to offer my unwavering support for the good work the organization does on behalf of low-income women in Texas and nationwide.

As the lead Texas member in the amicus brief in support of Whole Women’s Health v. Cole, I fought alongside reproductive care advocates as Texas Republicans attempted to shut down reproductive healthcare centers through its harmful HB-2 law that restricted abortion access statewide. I will continue to stand alongside Texas women, families, and Planned Parenthood in the fight to expand access to care.”

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