A new Defense Department policy requires all U.S. military health centers around the world to carry the emergency contraception pill known as Plan B One-Step.

Obama signed the omnibus spending bill for FY 2010, which increases funding for international family planning programs, the U.N. Population Fund and family planning services for low-income women.

Obama signed the omnibus spending bill for FY 2010, eliminating federal funding for abstinence-only education programs. The budget awarded $114 million for the creation of a new evidence-based teenage pregnancy prevention program at the Health and Human Services Department.

Obama nominated Regina M. Benjamin as U.S. surgeon general. White House spokesman Reid Cherlin said that Benjamin "supports the president's position on reproductive health issues." Cherlin also said that Benjamin is committed to reducing the number of unintended pregnancies.

While accepting an honorary degree at Notre Dame's commencement ceremony, Obama called for common ground on abortion. "Let us work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions, let's reduce unintended pregnancies," he said.

The Health and Human Services Department closed the comment period on its proposal to lift the  "conscience clause" put in place by President Bush just before he left office. While measures that protect health care workers from performing procedures they oppose on religious or moral grounds have been in place since Roe v. Wade, the Obama administration argues that Bush's rule would limit access to patient care, particularly in rural areas.

Obama announced a new President's Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, expanding a program started by President Bush. The initiative's goals include reduction of teen pregnancy.

In an effort to win House GOP votes for the stimulus bill, Obama persuaded House Democrats to drop a $335 million Medicaid provision providing funds for contraception programs protested by many conservatives.

Praising Roe v. Wade on his second full day in office, Obama released a statement reading, in part, "no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make."