Media Advisory- Local Citizens Head to Washington to Tell Congress Women's Health Matters!

ALBANY, NY (07/10/2009)(readMedia)-- News Conference:

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 10:30 a.m.

at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, 259 Lark Street, Albany

Background:

Capital Region Planned Parenthood affiliates representing 16 counties are mobilizing supporters to send a strong message to Washington: women cannot be left worse off after health care reform than they are now! Access to the full range of reproductive health care services must be a part of any national health care reform package. Today, one in four women who receives contraceptive care does so at a women's health center; one in six who obtain a Pap Test or a pelvic exam does so at a women's health center. Yet, over 20 amendments have been introduced in Congressional committees working on health care reform bills that would reduce or restrict access to reproductive health services or access to community based women's health care providers.

Local Planned Parenthood officials and supporters (patients, clergy, and other community leaders) will present their plans to remind our State Senators and Representatives just how strongly New Yorkers feel about access to reproductive health care services. A delegation of youth and adults will leave for Washington D. C. on Wednesday, July 15 to carry this message to Congress.