Today, the Supreme Court ruled in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., a case in which business owners argued that they shouldn’t have to provide health insurance that covers preventive care at no out-of-pocket cost. These business owners specifically named PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medication that prevents HIV transmission as preventive care that violates their religious beliefs.

In response, Debra Hauser, President of the national youth reproductive and sexual health organization Advocates for Youth, issued the following statement:

“We applaud the court for protecting no-cost access to PrEP and other preventative health services. 

Public health research demonstrates that preventative HIV care is critical to protecting LGBTQ+ people and vulnerable communities. Raising health care costs would put countless lives at risk and exacerbate existing and inequitable barriers to HIV treatment, prevention, and care that disproportionately impact young people of color. Attempts to restrict access to PrEP are rooted in stigma and blatant discrimination– not science.

Unfortunately, a technical aspect of the court’s ruling means PrEP may come under threat again soon. We hope that officials at the Department of Health and Human Services  will show common sense and work to expand PrEP access, not restrict it.

For decades, we have worked alongside young people, HIV advocates and policymakers to create innovative programs to end the HIV epidemic. Young people have long been at the forefront of the movement for equity and access in HIV care, and must be able to afford the health services they need to build healthy and informed futures. The Supreme Court made the right decision in protecting PrEP today.”

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Advocates for Youth is a 501(c)3 organization that champions efforts that help young people make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates for Youth boldly advocates for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health, focusing its work on young people ages 14-24 in the U.S. and around the globe.