Today, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in California v. Texas, the case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Dr. Jamila Perritt, ob/gyn and President and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, made the following statement:
“Today, one week after the Presidential election and two weeks after the illegitimate and rushed confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in California v. Texas – a case that will determine the future of access to affordable health care in our country. Currently, more than 20 million people depend on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and as our nation continues to face a global pandemic, health care coverage is more important than ever. This case puts the entire health care law at risk, jeopardizing our collective health and well-being.
We will not go back to a time when millions of people lacked access to health care coverage
“The ACA is a historic piece of legislation providing coverage of essential health services at no cost including vaccines, cancer screenings, breastfeeding support, and contraception. We will not go back to a time when millions of people lacked access to health care coverage, patients were denied care because of pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy, breast or cervical cancer, or denied health coverage because they received treatment for domestic or sexual violence. And we certainly will not be forced back to a time when patients were not protected from discrimination in health care because of their race, sex, or gender identity. No matter who you are, or where you live, you should be able to access the affordable, high quality care you need. And no one should have to sacrifice their body or their livelihood for access to basic, necessary care.
“At a time when our communities are struggling, the fall of the ACA would be disastrous. At PRH we will continue to advocate to ensure all people are able to live with dignity and access the health care they need.”