NARAL Pro-Choice America Applauds Commonsense Bill to Prevent Unintended Pregnancy and Reduce the Need for Abortion

Washington, DC – Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, praised the reintroduction in Congress of the Prevention First Act – a package of commonsense bills that would help prevent unintended pregnancy and reduce the need for abortion.

Keenan, whose organization endorsed the Prevention First Act and has worked with lawmakers to advance this legislative measure, said the bill's reintroduction in a newly configured Congress represents an ideal opportunity to change the tone of the debate on reproductive health. 

"The public wants Congress to pursue a solution-oriented agenda that will empower women, protect their privacy, and improve their heath-care options," Keenan said.  "The Prevention First Act gives Congress an opportunity to focus on reducing the need for abortion through commonsense prevention measures.  We thank Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Rep. Louise Slaughter for their unwavering commitment and leadership in advancing this thoughtful legislation that Americans on both sides of the choice debate can support." 

The Reid-Slaughter Prevention First Act is a package of services to help women and couples prevent unintended pregnancy – which would reduce the need for abortion.  It increases funds for family-planning services, ensures that insurance companies cover birth control just like other prescription medications, and improves women's access to emergency contraception, among other things. 

Background on Prevention First

NARAL Pro-Choice America has for years advocated prevention, as well as safe, legal abortion.  In February 2005, NARAL Pro-Choice America issued a challenge to President Bush and his allies who oppose abortion to support efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies through medically accurate sex education, birth control, including emergency contraception, and improved family-planning services.  

While President Bush refused to support this common-ground Prevention First agenda, federal and state lawmakers have introduced, promoted, and enacted legislation related to preventive measures such as comprehensive sex education, better access to emergency contraception, equitable insurance coverage for contraception, guaranteed access to prescriptions, and better family-planning services for everyone who needs them. Last year, state lawmakers introduced and actively supported 187 prevention-related measures.  In addition, pro-choice Americans gained 23 seats in the House and three in the Senate – replacing mixed- or anti-choice incumbents who often refused to support prevention measures. 

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032