Access to reproductive health services remains at the burning white-hot center of the healthcare reform debate. According to the Guttmacher Institute of the 38 million women in need of contraceptive care in 2014, 20 million were in need of publicly funded services and supplies because they either had an income below 250% of the federal poverty level or were younger than 20.
Community health centers—also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)— are meeting the primary care and many of the reproductive health care needs of patients who may not otherwise receive care due to cost burdens or lack of nearby medical resources. But FQHCs do not provide abortions, so Planned Parenthood is an essential healthcare provider and often a first point of entry for a very wide range of health services.
With threats to Planned Parenthood and other family planning organizations looming, community health centers’ role as safety-net providers of family planning, prenatal care, immunizations, and cancer screenings raises some thorny questions. Regulatory considerations and limited resources challenge FQHCs’ ability to adequately address the unique health needs of women, girls, and LGBTQ people.
Lesbians, bisexual women, transgender women and transgender men are welcomed by Planned Parenthood. In a world without Planned Parenthood, women who are not straight and seeking reproductive health services would likely face both increased discrimination, violence, and stigma. At the same time, they are likely to face increasing barriers to obtaining health care coverage. With increasing attacks on these vulnerable populations, protecting their rights and unfettered access to care becomes even more important. Community health centers may be taking on more important roles as reproductive care in the coming years, but will they serve all well?
Join Philanthropy New York’s Funders for Gender Equity and Health Working Group for a deep dive into the current healthcare climate and the role of philanthropy in ensuring full access to all healthcare services including a full range of reproductive health services, followed by a Q&A with attendees.
Explore:
- How reproductive services are a critical entry point into the healthcare system for many vulnerable populations
- The role of community health centers to help ensure access to reproductive healthcare
- What barriers threaten access to reproductive health services for women and gender non-conforming people at community health centers
- Philanthropy’s role in supporting initiatives to ensure access to affordable health care for these populations—especially in light of the current political climate
Presenters
- Bob Hayes, President and CEO, Community Healthcare Network
- Cynthia Summers, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Communications and Publications, Guttmacher Institute
- Lisa Maldonado, Executive Director, Reproductive Health Access Project
- Joan Malin, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood of New York City
- Kathy Regan (Moderator), Executive Vice President and COO, The Commonwealth Fund
Designed for
All interested funders.
Registration
8:45 - 9:00 AM Check-in
9:00 - 11:00 AM Program
Registration is required by May 23rd.
Members: To register yourself and/or a colleague at your organization, please log in and click the Register Now link above.
Non-Member Funders: Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org. ($150 fee)
Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with any questions.
