Capps Statement on HHS Release of Guidelines on Women's Preventive Health Services

Statement

Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's release of new guidelines on insurance coverage of preventive services for women. Last week, Capps sent a letter to Secretary Sebelius urging the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations be adopted in full. Previously, she submitted testimony to the IOM urging it to recommend that contraceptives be designated essential preventive health care.

"Today marks an incredible step forward for women's health. By adopting each of the IOM's recommendations for preventive health care services for women, the Obama Administration is ensuring that all women--regardless of how they get their health care -- will have increased access to the services they need to be healthy. For too long, women have faced financial and access barriers that have kept them from the services that they need. These new rules change that.

"While the adoption of these recommendations is truly worth celebrating, it is concerning that the politicization of women's health continues to creep into the discussion by exempting some employers from providing access to contraceptives to their female employees. The IOM recommendations were based on rigorous scientific research and evidence--but this exemption means that not all women will benefit from these evidence-based recommendations. Science should apply to all women, regardless of where they work. As we move forward with this and other health policies, it is essential that we do not allow the culture wars to stand in the way of science."

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