New State Law Increases Access for Free Family Planning Services to More Maryland Women

Introducing the Family Planning Works Act

On November 16th, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and Delegate Heather R. Mizeur will announce a new bipartisan state law that will provide free family planning services for low-income women in Maryland.

The Family Planning Works Act, passed in the 2011 session of the Maryland General Assembly, increases the salary cap for free family planning services to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. In dollars, that translates to roughly $22,000 per year for a single woman. Nearly 35,000 low-income women will now be eligible for services.

Women can sign up with the Maryland Department of Mental Health and Hygiene (DHMH) immediately. Free family planning services - including breast and reproductive cancer screenings, pelvic exams, sexually transmitted disease testing, pregnancy counseling, and contraception - will be available beginning on January 1st.

Maryland ranks near the bottom nationally in its rates of infant mortality and other birth outcome measures. Prince George's County, Baltimore City, and the Eastern Shore have the most critical women and infant health needs in the state. This expansion will improve birth outcomes by reversing infant mortality and low birth weight rates, and improving the health of mothers and babies. Additionally, the reduction in unintended pregnancies and births is expected to produce $20 million to $40 million in savings for the state budget.

For More Information

For more Information please contact: Jeremy Crandall at (202) 316-1202 or Jeremy@HeatherMizeur.com

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