The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health Applauds Introduction of Affordability is Access Act

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Senator Patty Murray and Representative Ayanna Pressley introduced the Affordability is Access Act. Ann Marie Benitez, senior director of government relations at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, issued the following statement:

“As a reproductive justice organization, we are proud to endorse the Affordability is Access Act as a critical step toward ensuring that everyone, no matter how much they make, where they live, or their immigration status, has access to the care we need to plan our families and futures with dignity and self-determination.

The extra costs associated with getting a birth control prescription—including taking time off work, arranging childcare, finding transportation, and paying a copay or out-of-pocket for a doctor’s visit—forces many Latinas/xs and their families to decide between contraception or putting food on the table. Additionally, the increased persecution of immigrants has forced many in our community to forgo going to a doctor’s office altogether for fear of detainment and family separation.

Over-the-counter contraception eliminates one of the many barriers Latinas/xs face by providing safe, effective, and affordable birth control when we need it and within reach. It is a lot easier to get to the drugstore than it is to get to the doctor.”

For more information on NLIRH’s fight for health, dignity and justice, visit us at latinainstitute.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @NLIRH.

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The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only national reproductive justice organization dedicated to building Latina power to advance health, dignity, and justice for 29 million Latinas, their families, and communities in the United States through leadership development, community mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic communications.