Congressman Aderholt Leads Effort to Stop Forcing the Distribution of the Morning-After Pill

Congressman Aderholt Leads Effort to Stop Forcing the Distribution of the Morning-After Pill

Entire Alabama Congressional Delegation Supports Aderholt Letter

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) today sent a letter to the Alabama Department of Public Health in Montgomery explaining that the federal government does not mandate states to distribute the morning-after pill in order to comply with federal funding guidelines. The letter was signed by every single member of the state's congressional delegation. Federal family planning grants require the states offer a 'broad array' of contraceptive techniques, but do not have to offer 'all available methods and services.'

"I have been dealing with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (H.H.S.) in Washington on this," said Congressman Aderholt. "And I have learned that, while H.H.S. family planning grant guidelines require a wide variety of 'acceptable and effective family planning methods and services,' it does not mandate a state to distribute a pill that may trigger an abortion.

"I think the fact that the entire delegation supports this letter of clarification is based on the understanding that Alabamians simply have a moral and ethical problem with public funds going to the distribution of the morning-after pill," added Congressman Aderholt.

"I know that our state's health department is made up of individuals committed to ensuring the good health and well-being of our citizens. In fact, it was one of those very workers who called this troubling situation to my attention. Furthermore, I look forward to working with the Alabama Department of Public Health in Montgomery. They are a great help to the people of Alabama.

"We - as a delegation - are also asking that the state grant a reprieve to all of their employees who have filed for a religious or conscientious objection. I hope this is a misunderstanding that is now cleared up: our state is certainly not required to distribute this pill," said Congressman Aderholt.