Statement - U.S. Supreme Court Decision Huge Victory in HIV Prevention

For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014

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Planned Parenthood Applauds This Morning’s Ruling as a Provider in HIV Prevention

Washington, DC – The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-2 this morning that the government cannot force private health organizations to denounce prostitution as a condition to participate in a government funded program to fight HIV and AIDS around the world. Planned Parenthood Federation of America filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, urging the court to strike down the 2003 federal law that forced organizations to denounce prostitution as a condition of participating in the program.  Planned Parenthood health centers are one of the largest providers of HIV testing in the U.S. and PPFA supports partner organizations in 10 other countries to help prevent and detect HIV and AIDS. 

Following is a statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“This ruling is a victory that will help prevent the spread of HIV around the world.  As a health care provider, Planned Parenthood sees every day the importance of providing non-judgmental, high-quality care to every patient who walks through our doors.  Today’s decision will ensure that crucial information and access to health care services for people in need is provided by organizations and individuals committed to these principles, not just by those who meet a government viewpoint litmus test. This law interfered with this most basic responsibility of health care providers, and we are glad to see it struck down.”

 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.