Chuck Schumer: “the Family Planning State Empowerment Act is our long-term shield against the ideological whims of those who threaten to…”

“the Family Planning State Empowerment Act is our long-term shield against the ideological whims of those who threaten to cut cost-effective family planning services for low income women across the country. Why do we need such a protective measure? In the past two weeks, it became clear that the Federal Government would not renew these programs nor would they approve any pending application requests. That is why I, along with 21 of my colleagues including Mr. Chafee, sent a letter asking the government to reconsider their decision which would seriously impinge upon the ability of states to expand coverage of family planning services. The Family Planning State Empowerment Act would allow State governments and agency experts to practice what they know best, implementing these cost-effective family planning service programs that reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions. In New York alone, 13,440 women would be served under its pending family planning service program proposal.”