Dear Auntie, I’ve been freaking out since Trump signed all of those orders on inauguration day. Do I still have access to sexual health care?
You’re definitely not alone. We have all been biting our nails to see what’s going to happen with the new administration. Many folks are worried because during Trumps campaign he said he’d get rid of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) immediately, which does include the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and covers all FDA-approved birth control methods at no-cost.
But for the time being there’s no need to freak out.
10 Reasons NOT to Freak Out
- Our tribal leaders are taking action
- The States are also taking control. There are 28 States who mandate contraceptive coverage. This means that if the ACA is repealed, the State you’re living in may still have you covered
- All 18 FDA-approved birth control methods are still available
- Contraceptive counseling and birth control are still provided without any out-of-pocket cost to patients, such as copayments or deductibles
- The HPV vaccine is available
- Trump has indicated that he’s in favor of over-the-counter birth control
- Illinois goes beyond the federal guarantee by requiring access to over the counter contraceptive methods
- CA, DC, HI, IL, and VT allow women to receive six-months or a one-year supply of method at once (as opposed to only one or three-months)
- 55 million have access to no-cost birth control thru Planned Parenthood
- IL and VT require coverage of male sterilization, and all 50 states require coverage of female sterilization as part of the ACA
When will know if the ACA gets repealed?
We’re not sure when, or if the ACA will get repealed. We do know that the Republicans can’t agree on an option and that the Democrats are working towards keeping ACA.
However, most of these services are provided by organizations like Planned Parenthood, who are in jeopardy of losing their federal funding.
What can you do to support sexual health services like those offered at Planned Parenthood?
- Call Your US Senator – you can sign up to have PP connect you to your US Senator. They’ll also provide you with a script that asks your Senator to support low income patients with continued access to care at PP.
- Be a Planned Parenthood Defender – you can sign up to get critical texts on how best to support PP efforts.
- Find and Attend an Event – you can see scheduled events near you and across the country
It’s hard to know what’s the best thing to do right now. However, if you’re in need of contracepives or counseling then it’s not a bad idea to make an appointment to take care of yourself now.
Thanks for writing in.
Take care,
Auntie Manda
