Torres Fights to Protect Access to Lifesaving Health Services and Reproductive Care for Inland Empire Families
In the 35th Congressional District, three Title X-funded clinics serve nearly 30,000 low-income patients; the Trump Administration has sought to make it harder for such providers to receive federal funds
Appropriations bill increases funding for the Title X Family Planning program by nearly 40 percent
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Vice Chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, announced that the Fiscal Year 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Funding Bill contains her priorities to ensure Inland Empire families have access to treatment for lifesaving cancer screenings, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, family planning services, and comprehensive reproductive care. The legislation increases funding for the Title X Family Planning program by $114 million for a total of $400 million. The Title X program helps local health centers in the 35th Congressional District, like Planned Parenthood L.A. (Pomona Health Center), East Valley Community Health Center, Inc. in Pomona, and the Community Health Systems, Inc. in Bloomington, provide underserved, low-income families throughout the Inland Empire with affordable, quality healthcare. In March, the Trump Administration released a ruling that would block such clinics from receiving federal funds.
"For families struggling to make ends meet, our local Title X-funded clinics are their main source of basic healthcare and information. The Trump Administration's attacks on these providers, which include Planned Parenthood clinics, directly threatens the health of Inland Empire families," said Torres. "This legislation ensures that everyone in the 35th Congressional District will continue to have access to the critical, affordable, and quality care and information they need to lead healthy lives."
Currently, Title X funds save the district more than $800,000 in healthcare costs by averting unplanned pregnancies and reducing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The increased funding would allow local providers to invest in staff training and materials to expand and strengthen youth and high school outreach on sex education, including HIV/STD information and contraceptive counseling. It would also extend clinic staff outreach on STD education to serve more communities throughout the Inland Empire.
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