Planned Parenthood has launched a nationwide hotline following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Hobby Lobby religious freedom. The nation’s largest abortion provider chain announced that it is trying to help women whose “contraceptive care is jeopardized by the Supreme Court” decision.
Women can text “birth control” to Planned Parenthood’s hotline to “flag concerns about their coverage.” Individuals who contact Planned Parenthood will receive a follow-up text asking if they would like to be contacted through email or by phone. The program could also allow employees to report employers that refuse to pay for coverage for birth control.
“We’re hearing from women across the country who are concerned and confused about what these court rulings mean for them, so we’re launching a text helpline to get people information and assistance quickly,” said Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that closely held corporations are not required to provide contraception coverage under ObamaCare. Hobby Lobby owners, the Green family, objected to covering 4 out of 20 birth control methods mandated under the federal health care overhaul because of the belief that life begins at the moment of conception.
Planned Parenthood said the hotline will direct women to the nearest health center to obtain contraception or an abortion procedure. The text program follows a pilot project launched in 2010 by the organization that sends users information about pregnancy testing and birth control via mobile phones. Users also can directly contact Planned Parenthood representatives over text message or online chat.
Richards announced the program during an interview with Andrea Mitchell.
