Bush Admin Against Choice
By Planned Parenthood of Iowa

The Bush Administration is proposing a rule change in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would drastically change the way family planning services are provided in the U.S. and Iowa.

Rule Change in Brief:
* Redefining "abortion" to include most birth control.
* Broad expansion of conscience clauses; so much that our already strained health care system may not be able to adequately provide service to millions.
* Violating state's rights overturning contraceptive equity and access laws in up to 34 states including Iowa.

Members of the Iowa Congressional delegation have publicly opposed this potential rule change, and Planned Parenthood commends their efforts to maintain access to contraceptives and expand women's health.  

Attached please find a fact sheet summarizing the potential rule change, along with the letters from the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Included is independent polling conducted by Anzalone Lizt Research that shows the support publicly-funded contraceptives have among Iowa voters, even among self-identified "anti-choice" voters.

Jill June, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa is available for media interviews, and comments on this developing story.

To schedule an interview, please call (515) 249-6084.

Articles about HHS Rule Change:

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/washington/15rule.html?_r=2&ref=us&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

U.S. News and World Report
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/womens-health/2008/07/22/a-government-threat-to-birth-control.html?PageNr=1

Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.suntimes.com/news/douglas/1069579,CST-EDT-douglas23.article

David Stone
Public Affairs
Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa
1168 6th Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50314
dstone@ppgi.org <mailto:dstone@ppgi.org>
515.235.0442