HomeMy WebLinkAboutOTHER-2020-015 Letter to Governor Roy Cooper Requesting Action to Expand Abortion Services to Women of North Carolina Previously Denied Coverage Under Medicaid in Conjunction w-Hyde Amendment VIA
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FENNYR/CH, CHAIR Orange County Board of Commissioners
RENEE PRICE, VIcECHAIR Post Office Box 8181 zr Z
JAMEZETTA BEDFORDFORD
SA KDoRosw
LYGREENE 300 West Tryon Street
SALLY GREENS
MARK MARCOPLOS Hillsborough , North Carolina 27278
EARL MCKEE
4
November 6 , 2020
Governor Roy Cooper
20301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh , NC 27699 - 0301
Dear Governor Cooper :
I am writing on behalf of the Orange County Board of Commissioners to request that you take action
to expand abortion services to the women of North Carolina previously denied that coverage under
Medicaid in conjunction with the Hyde Amendment .
Every person has a right to comprehensive , evidence - based information about the full range of
reproductive health care options , and should have access to comprehensive reproductive health
care throughout their lives , regardless of income , race/ethnicity , age , sexual orientation , gender
identity , ability , immigration status , geographic circumstance , criminal history , and insurance -
coverage status . The Hyde Amendment has for 44 years impeded access to abortion for low-
income women enrolled in Medicaid .
Public health insurance programs should cover all of an individual ' s options when they are facing
pregnancy and other reproductive health care decisions , so that they can make real decisions about
what is best for them and their family , and so that their economic status and source of insurance
coverage do not affect important health care decisions .
North Carolina law imposes limits on insurance coverage of abortion in the state Medicaid program .
Over 400 , 000 women in North Carolina are subject to bans on insurance coverage of abortion
because of the Hyde Amendment .
Mirroring the actions of multiple other states and their governors , Orange County asks that you lead
North Carolina to take the necessary steps to identify available funding outside any Medicaid funding
mandates to pay for abortion care beyond the Hyde Amendment requirements .
Orange County joins you in supporting the right of all women to choose the medical services they
receive , including abortion , and we believe access to those services should not be contingent upon
limited financial status .
Sin-cebsely ,
Penny Rich , C air
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Cc : Orange County Board of Commissioners
John Roberts , Orange County Attorney
www. orangecountync. gov
Orange County, North Carolina
(919) 245-2130