Costa Howard Calls on Trump Administration to Restore Funding for Women’s Health Care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, is calling on the Trump Administration to overturn new restrictions on Title X funding that could end access to affordable health care for women throughout Illinois and across the country.

“Health care organizations rely on Title X funding to provide essential health services for women, including STD screenings, family planning, and lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screenings,” said Costa Howard.  “Every woman deserves access to affordable basic medical care. It is unconscionable that the Trump Administration would put women’s lives and health at risk by withholding these funds, which are paid for by our tax dollars.”

Costa Howard has introduced House Resolution 204, which urges leaders in Washington to repeal the recent federal restrictions that would strip women’s health care organizations and centers of critical funding if they offer abortion referrals. Under the Hyde Amendment, passed in 1976, federal funds may not be used to pay for abortion procedures, but federally funded women’s health organizations have been allowed to offer patients referrals for abortions as part of their comprehensive reproductive health care.

“The changes to Title X funding are an attack on the health and well-being of Illinois women,” Costa Howard added. “I am calling on our Illinois Congressional Delegation and our leaders in Washington to overturn this dangerous policy that puts extremist political views ahead of women’s lives.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Costa Howard’s constituent service office at RepTCH48@gmail.com or 630-812-9292.