I oppose the proposed cuts in family planning from the Fund for a Healthy Maine and MaineCare, because such cuts would restrict access to basic health care upon which thousands of Mainers depend.

For many reasons, I view family planning as basic preventive medicine. Helping people plan when and how many children they have helps them pursue opportunities for their education and careers on their own terms.

Beyond the direct benefits to family planning are the indirect ones: Seeking contraceptives often is the only regular contact young women have with health care providers, most of whom take advantage of that contact to screen and educate their patients about multiple health issues, such as sexually transmitted infections, domestic abuse and cancer.

I urge the Legislature to continue Maine’s long-standing commitment to preventive health care and reject cuts to family planning from the Fund for Healthy Maine and MaineCare.

Daniel Eccher

Augusta


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