Planned Parenthood statement on proposed state budget cuts to family planning services

TRENTON, N.J. — Today, the New Jersey State Senate and Assembly voted on a revised state budget proposal, which included funding cuts for essential family planning services. In response, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey Vice President of Public Affairs Kaitlyn Wojtowicz issued the following statement:

“The patients that family planning providers see each and every day have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – now is not the time to further cut their ability to get care. In a public health crisis, we need more access to family planning services — not less. That’s why Planned Parenthood health centers have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide the essential health care our patients need.

“While New Jersey's elected leaders undoubtedly were challenged to make some tough funding decisions as a result of COVID-related budget shortfalls, our collective investment in high-quality, affordable reproductive health care services not only helps keep our communities healthy — it makes economic sense. For every dollar invested in family planning, the government saves up to $7 down the line. With women — especially women of color — disproportionately bearing the impact of the crisis, New Jersey cannot afford to reduce their access to care, especially given that, for so many of our patients, Planned Parenthood is the only health care provider they see. We know cutting funds for preventative health care leads to negative and sometimes tragic health outcomes.

“We urge New Jersey lawmakers — at minimum — to restore funding to previous levels. This funding, which includes both general family planning dollars and funding for providers who have been forced out of the federal Title X program, will help ensure that all New Jerseyans can continue to access high-quality, affordable, lifesaving care and stay healthy.

“In the past, our Governor and Legislature have stepped up to provide critical funding for these essential health care services. We need their strong leadership once again — so that every New Jerseyan has access to the care they need.”

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey (PPAFNJ) is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization, and the advocacy arm of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates in New Jersey. We advocate for access to essential health care through education, activism, voter engagement, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy. For more information, visit our website at www.ppactionnj.org.