“Better care, more access for women,” is the rallying cry of advocates who want to direct our limited tax dollars to health care providers that provide the most comprehensive care for women. Senate Bill 300 proposes a prioritization of funding of women’s health services and family planning to go to Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Centers which provide a wide array of women’s health services over those that offer limited services and focus narrowly on contraception, STD screening, and abortion.
Federally Qualified Health Centers offer comprehensive care, including prenatal care, mental health services, dental care, and other women’s health services; and FQHCs are easier to access. There are more than 300 of these centers in Pennsylvania compared to the 25 more narrowly focused centers operated by Planned Parenthood.