FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24, 2014
Washington, DC—In response to a recent speech by Mike Huckabee, in which he stated that women use oral contraceptives because they “cannot control their libidos or their reproductive systems,” the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance issued the following statement from CEO Calaneet Balas:
“In his quest for a quotable sound bite, Mr. Huckabee has grossly oversimplified the reasons why women use oral contraceptives. I talk every day with women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and with families who have lost a loved one to this disease. Taking oral contraceptives for five or more years is one of the safest and easiest ways for a woman to cut her risk of ovarian cancer in half. This is just one of the health benefits women accrue from the pill.
“If Mr. Huckabee truly wants to support women, he would support their right to access oral contraceptives without the barrier of a copayment—and without intruding into their private and personal reasons for using this medication.”
Click here for more information about ovarian cancer and risk. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has filed amicus briefs in several lawsuits involving insurance coverage for oral contraceptives. Click here to read our amicus brief filed with the 11th Circuit Court.
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is a powerful voice for everyone touched by ovarian cancer. We connect survivors, women at risk, caregivers and health providers with the information and resources they need. We ensure that ovarian cancer is a priority for lawmakers and agencies in Washington, DC, and throughout the country. We help our community raise their voices on behalf of every life that has been affected by this disease.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Amanda Davis at adavis@ovariancancer.org or (202)331-1332.
