SAFA Success – CoSA stops distributing harmful contraceptives

On February 6, 2014 the SA City Council voted in the Adolescent Healthcare Services Ordinance. This ordinance used $900k+ of Medicaid 1115 Program funds to provide chemical sterilizations and hormonal contraceptives, Depo Provera and Nexplanon, to teens. Depo Provera and Nexplanon can cause chemical abortions, and have been linked to a host of troubling side-effects, including a significant increase in the risk of women and their partners becoming infected with HIV. This plan was designed to help curb the city’s high teen birth rate. The program approved by City Council allowed the Metro Health District to provide funding to the University Health System for the implementation of an ‘adolescent health services project for the prevention of teen pregnancy in San Antonio.’ The council approved the proposal 10-1, with only north east side Councilman Michael Gallagher voting no.

The SA City Council eventually changed their policy and decided to eliminate distribution of harmful hormonal contraceptives to teen girls through the Adolescent Healthcare Ordinance and the Medicaid 1115 Waiver.

City Councilman Mike Gallaher, District 10, stated in a January 2017 meeting with SAFA personnel that SAFA’s work to educate City Officials was largely responsible for the City stopping the distribution of dangerous chemicals, hormonal contraceptives (Depo Provera and Nexplanon) through the Adolescent Healthcare Ordinance (passed on Feb. 6, 2014) and the Medicaid 1115 Waiver Program that are harmful and hurtful to teen girls and can cause chemical abortions.