Planned Parenthood Action Fund Launches Text Program for Women Whose Contraceptive Care is Jeopardized by the Supreme Court

Women Can Text “Birth Control” to 69866 to Flag Concerns about Their Coverage

New York, NY – In the aftermath of a ruling and several orders from the U.S. Supreme Court over the last few days allowing some employers to deny insurance coverage for birth control for their employees, Planned Parenthood Action Fund today launched a text helpline for people who are being denied coverage or have questions about their access to birth control.

People can text "birth control" to 69866 to report a denial of coverage or to get help accessing birth control. They receive an immediate response and can state a preference of follow-up by e-mail or phone to get more details.

"As the nation's leading advocate for women’s reproductive health care, Planned Parenthood Action Fund is completely committed to making sure women can get the no-copay birth control benefit that we and others fought so hard to pass and protect. No woman should lose access to birth control because her boss doesn't approve of it. We're hearing from women across the country who are concerned and confused about what these court rulings mean for them, so we're launching a text helpline to get people information and assistance quickly," said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

In a 5-4 decision issued June 30, the Supreme Court ruled that employers at for-profit corporations may deny access to basic preventive health care — including contraception — if it is in conflict with their religious beliefs.

“What’s important for people to remember is that this is about basic health care for women. Ninety-nine percent of sexually active women will use birth control at some point in their lives — not only to prevent unintended pregnancy, but for a variety of health reasons. It is unbelievable that women who are raped on college campuses might be denied emergency contraception and that half a million women who use birth control to treat endometriosis and protect their fertility could lose that health care,” Richards continued.

Richards announced the texting program today during an interview with Andrea Mitchell about the Supreme Court’s wide-ranging and reckless rulings against women’s health. You can watch the interview here.