In the News

Planned Parenthood Federation of America applauded today’s introduction of the “Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women’s Health Care Act of 2019,” which would increase access to life-saving cancer screenings. Sponsored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), the bill will expand funding for preventive services with a focus on breast and gynecological cancer screenings, particularly for women of color; create training opportunities for providers, including specialty training for treating women of color and those with low-incomes; and study awareness and availability of effective cancer screening options. Jeanette Acosta was an activist, former Hill staffer, Planned Parenthood patient, and community leader, who passed away in 2017 after a diagnosis of cervical cancer. The bill, named in her memory, has already been endorsed by a wide array of organizations including Black Women’s Health Imperative and Human Rights Watch. Statement by Dr. Leana Wen, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: “We applaud Senator Murray and Representative Gomez for doing exactly what our government should be doing: expanding access to essential health care, not trying to take it away. The science is clear: education, preventive screening, and early detection increases the chance of surviving cervical cancer. This bill will help combat systemic health disparities, particularly among people of color, and expand access to life-saving health care screenings for those who need them most. This bill proudly honors Jeanette Acosta’s memory and will build upon her rich legacy of service to help save the lives of people across the country.” The cancers that most frequently impact women include breast, uterine, ovarian and cervical cancer, and it is estimated that there will be 368,850 new cases of these cancers in 2019. In 2017, Planned Parenthood provided more than 614,000 cancer prevention and screening services. Women’s health care providers that are primarily engaged in family planning services provide necessary screening tests, education, and information to women.

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