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Family Planning Provision May be Removed from Stimulus Package

A provision in the proposed economic stimulus package that would expand family planning coverage under Medicaid has drawn harsh criticism from Republicans and may be removed from the proposed stimulus package as early as today. President Barack Obama has reportedly told congressional Democrats to remove the provision and may offer this move as a concession to congressional Republicans in meetings today.

The current version of the stimulus package (see PDF) would no longer require states to obtain federal permission to offer family planning services and contraceptives under Medicaid.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi defended the inclusion of the family planning provision this weekend (see video) and said that, ultimately, “the family planning services reduce cost.” Democrats argue that the provision is an investment that would save money long term and that it could create health care jobs and bolster state progams, according to RH Reality Check.

Sources:

Associated Press 1/27/09; Miami Herald 1/27/09; YouTube 1/25/09; RH Reality Check 1/27/09

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