PPFA STATEMENT ON GOV. SEBELIUS' NOMINATION TO SECRETARY OF HHS

Cecile Richards
President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

“As countless women and their families struggle to afford quality health care during these difficult economic times, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is an excellent choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Gov. Sebelius is a strong advocate for health care reform and has a proven track record of increasing access to affordable care. She has a strong record of supporting commonsense prevention policies that improve health outcomes. Her ability to work in a bipartisan fashion will serve her well as the Obama administration and Congress tackle the critical issue of health care reform for American families.

“We also applaud the appointment of Nancy-Ann DeParle to serve as director of the White House Office for Health Reform. She is one of the leading health policy experts in the country and a strong advocate for meaningful health care reform.
 
“We hope the Senate acts quickly to confirm Gov. Sebelius so she can get to work on addressing the needs of the American people for affordable, reliable care.”

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate nearly 800 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.