Supporters of LD 143 Line the Halls of the Capitol in Agusta Today.

Advocates and volunteer constituents lined the halls of the State House and delivered letters to their state senators and representatives urging them to pass and fund LD 143, An Act to Improve Women’s Health and Economic Security by Funding Family Planning Services.  Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce and co-sponsored by Democratic ledership, the bill proposeds $6.18 million in funding for the network that incudes 61 service sites, telehealth services and a mobile health unit.  Seventy perent of patients who visited these providers in fiscal year 2023 qualified for free or reduced-cost care.

Family planning care services include testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, birth control, cancer screenings, routine gynecological exams and wel person care, vaccinations, gender-affirming care and biomedical health services,  LD 143 does not include funding for abortion care.

“LD 143 is about providing essential health care services to anyone who needs it, no matter what  Everyone deserves access to  health care they need, when they need it.  Mainers are counting on their lawmakers to prioritize fundng for the state’s family planning health care infrastructure to ensure Mainers can continue receiving the care they count on to stay healthy.  The health care we provide is essential and often life-saving and we are proud to provide it regardless of a patient’s ability to pay,”  said Lisa Marguiles, Esq., VP of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Northern New England.  “The state of Maine is and must continue to be a busy partner in ensuring all residents have access to cancer screenings, birth control and testing for sexally transmitted infectious and other basic care…………”