I am now seeing firsthand the importance of Medicaid coverage for abortion. Jess is a 15-year-old girl who came in for an abortion, accompanied by her father. She knew she wan’t ready to have a child, and she had good support from her family in that decision. She came to clinic mostly worried about how much the procedure would cost. Her family lived paycheck to paycheck and thought they might need to skimp on groceries or utilities to pay for the procedure.

When I told them that the procedure was covered by their insurance, I could see the weight of the world come off their shoulders. This girl was now able to get the medical care she needed and continue her education, and her family would not have to be burdened. This is why coverage matters.