Texas made it official last week: our state will not compromise in order to allow the Women's Health Program (WHP) to continue.

On February 23, Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Thomas Suehs signed the rule that formally bans "affiliates" of abortion providers (i.e., Planned Parenthood clinics) from participating in WHP, which provides preventive care and birth control to about 125,000 low-income women each year. The state's rule is not compatible with the federal Medicaid statute, which does not allow exclusion of a qualified provider.

The rule goes into effect on March 14, when HHSC will require providers to certify that they meet the new requirements. Barring a last-minute compromise, this means the end of WHP. Losing this program will mean a second huge blow to Texas women's health, on top of the massive cuts to the state's Family Planning program.

The Center for Public Policy Priorities expressed it well:

"Every one of us wants to live and work in healthy communities where we all have the opportunity to reach our potential. But our state's elected leaders are pursuing a tragic course that undermines these goals. Effective March 14, the state plans to implement a new rule designed to exclude Planned Parenthood from participating in our state's Women's Health Program, but which in reality will destroy the program."
 

WHP provides basic essential health care, including cancer screenings and birth control for low-income women ages 18-44. Because these are women who would be covered by Medicaid if pregnant, the program saves Texas millions of general fund dollars each year. Helping women avoid unplanned pregnancy costs far less than the Medicaid costs of pregnancy, delivery, and infant care.

Members and friends of the Healthy Futures Alliance (HFA) are appalled at the loss of basic health care for so many low-income women in our community.

Please make your voice heard! Urge our state leaders to REVERSE THIS RULE and do what is needed to continue WHP:

HHSC Commissioner Suehs     Phone: (512) 424-6502

Governor Perry                         Phone: (512) 463-2000

 Your State Representative and State Senator (find out who here) 

Tell them TEXAS NEEDS WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE:

• WHP helps women plan and have healthy babies
• WHP saves Texas at least $20 million each year
• WHP helps prevent abortions

HFA is a community coalition to prevent teen and unplanned pregnancy. HFA has both pro-life and pro-choice members, all working together to promote prevention.