Dear Editor,
Women of childbearing age spend 68% more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men, in part because of reproductive health-related supplies and services.
Reproductive health -- including abortion care -- is basic health care. A bill that excludes reproductive health care coverage means women will be worse off than they are now.
Anti-choice groups have spread a lot of misinformation about health care reform. NOTHING in the reform proposals would "mandate" abortion coverage.
More than 86% of employer-based insurance plans now provide coverage for abortion. If anti-choice groups get their way, millions of women will be at risk of losing coverage they already have.
Women MUST be allowed to allowed to access the health care providers they trust -- including Planned Parenthood. In the past year, visits to Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri health centers have increased by 12%.
Health care reform should INCREASE access to health care, not decrease it.
Sincerely,
Leota Coats
Pittsburg
PITTSBURG —
