Good morning, Chairman Price and committee members. I am C. Tony Dunn, MD, a practicing OB/GYN from Waco testifying today as Chair of and on behalf of the Texas District of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (TX-ACOG) in support of House Bill 279 by Rep. Donna Howard.
During the creation and roll out of the new Healthy Texas Women and Family Planning programs, the committee has served an important role of helping craft those programs to best serve Texas women. Our organization has worked closely with and has been honored to have members appointed to the Women’s Health Advisory Committee (WHAC). The Women’s Health Advisory Committee helped facilitate provider input, public input, as well as keep the public informed.
Texas ACOG supports House Bill 279, to continue the Committee, because it is still very much needed. The new women’s health programs have only been in full operation since September 1, 2016, and there will likely be tweaks and additional guidance needed along the way. The Committee’s crucial function of providing regular updates and a forum for providers and the public to share recommendations and concerns is also still imperative.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of House Bill 279. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.