Statement from Planned Parenthood Action Committee of New Jersey
October 2, 2009
Michele Jaker - 732-713-0934

Trenton, NJ - After yesterday’s Gubernatorial Debate, Michele Jaker, Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Action Committee of New Jersey released the following statement:

When asked about the important issues of women’s health and reproductive rights, Chris Christie was often vague and evasive, but also downright wrong.

On the issue of mandated coverage of mammograms and his proposal of mandate free plans, Chris Christie stated that his policies would not prevent anyone from obtaining a mammogram. While we appreciate that Mr. Christie would not ‘prevent’ women from getting mammograms, what the women of New Jersey really need is for their health insurance to COVER those mammograms.  Cost should not be the deterrent for this life saving, early detection screening.  Recent reports show that more than half of all women - 52% - report problems with accessing health care because of cost, compared to 39% of men.(1) 

On the issue of allowing out of state health plans to be sold in New Jersey, Mr. Christie stated that 49 of the 50 states mandate coverage for mammograms.  While that is true, the protections that these mandates offer would be stripped out of his mandates free plans.  Additionally, only 10 states – including New Jersey – offer protections against gender rating which permits insurance companies to charge women more for coverage.(2)   Only 20 states – including New Jersey – require insurance companies to provide coverage of mammograms for women over age 40.(3)  Only 27 states – including New Jersey – require coverage of basic birth control as they cover other prescription drugs.(4)

On the issue of protecting a woman’s right to choose, Mr. Christie was ambiguous and evasive.  He talked about abstinence and family values.  Mr. Christie failed to tell voters whether he signed a pledge to work for a constitutional amendment to make abortion illegal, as the Star Ledger has reported. 

In contrast, Governor Corzine offered detailed responses outlining his strong support for family planning services, prenatal care and protecting a woman’s right to choose. 

Elections have consequences and women’s health is on the ballot in this election. 

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The Planned Parenthood Action Committee of New Jersey is an independent non-partisan organization formed as the statewide political arm of the Planned Parenthood Affiliates of New Jersey.  Paid for by Planned Parenthood Action Committee of New Jersey, PO Box 512, Trenton, NJ 08608. This expenditure was not made with the cooperation or prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate, or person or committee acting on behalf of the candidate.

(1) http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Publications/Issue-Briefs/2009/May/Women-at-Risk.aspx#
(2) http://nwlc.org/reformmatters/NWLCReport-NowhereToTurn-WEB.pdf
(3) http://hrc.nwlc.org/Policy-Indicators/Addressing-Wellness-and-Prevention/Mammogram.aspx
(4) http://www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_ICC.pdf