July 13, 2010 · A state representative from San Antonio wants to expand a health program designed to prevent unintended pregnancies. Democratic Representative Mike Villarreal released a report on Tuesday published by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission detailing the financial success of the state Women’s Health Program. It says that for every dollar of taxpayer money going into the program, the state saves twenty dollars. Villarreal wants to expand the program.
“It makes a difference in the lives of young women who want to mature so that they can be financially and emotionally prepared to raise a child. My plan is to file legislation that expands what we’re currently doing, and simplifying our application process,” said Rep. Mike Villarreal.
Seventy-one percent of pregnancies among unmarried adults in Texas are unplanned. The Women’s Health Program is trying to reduce that number using education and access to contraception. Dr. Janet Realini is the President of Healthy Futures of Texas based in San Antonio. She says the program isn’t reaching enough women.
“The Department of State Health Services estimates that over two million women in the state are eligible for this program, but only about 88,500 received services in 2009, so that’s less than five percent,” said Dr. Janet Realini.
Representative Villarreal hopes the financial success of the program will prompt some socially conservative Republicans to support his bill when the Legislature convenes next year.
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