Woodhull Freedom Foundation Announces Support of Efforts To Protect Health Care
Joins other national organizations to oppose repeal of ACA and Medicaid
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — June 29, 2017 — Washington, DC
The Woodhull Freedom Foundation, in conjunction with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and other national domestic and sexual violence advocates and survivors, is voicing its opposition to the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid. As a signee of a letter issued by the NCADV, Woodhull urges senators to protect current health care legislation and ensure access to health insurance for those affected by domestic violence.
The letter emphasizes that under proposed legislation, survivors of violence could be priced out of insurance options altogether. It also points out the potential mental and physical consequences facing those who cannot receive care, particularly survivors who are coping with chronic health conditions and may need continuous services.
Domestic violence – sexual violence in particular – is pervasive, with an American being sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, according to anti-sexual violence organization RAINN. In addition, it can be difficult for survivors of violence to receive care. Per the NCADV, fewer than 35% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries. Without the ACA and Medicaid, that number will almost certainly rise.
“This is a hugely important issue. We don’t want to return to the days where people facing physical, sexual and emotional violence are not only trying to survive, but also encountering additional hurdles in trying to receive health care. Provisions in the Senate bill, including changes to Medicaid funding and higher premiums for people with pre-existing conditions, would be devastating,” said Ricci Levy, President and CEO of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation. “Woodhull stands in solidarity with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and other advocates who oppose this legislation.”
To learn more about the NCADV, visit http://ncadv.org.
About the Woodhull Freedom Foundation
The Woodhull Freedom Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization devoted to education and public advocacy in support of the principle that consensual sexual expression is a fundamental human right. Based in Washington, D.C., Woodhull has been working at the intersection of sexual and human rights since 2003. The organization works in partnership with activists, advocacy organizations and coalitions across the United States to fight the political, social and economic forces driving and expanding sexual repression.
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