The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) proposed a regulation that would jeopardize women’s access to accurate medical information. The regulation would allow medical providers and staff at any entity that receives federal funding to withhold information from women based on their personal and moral beliefs.
Under the proposed regulation, a woman seeking medical care and advice from an entity that receives federal funds could have vital health information withheld from her, greatly undermining her ability to make informed decisions. It is estimated that this regulation would affect more than 500,000 agencies nationwide- hospitals, clinics and pharmacies- that receive funds from the federal government. Any staff person or medical provider could, without penalty, impose their religious and moral beliefs regardless of the impact on a patient’s health.
“When people visit their health care provider they expect factual medical information and advice, not their doctor’s personal beliefs,” says Karen Pieper Hildebrand, CEO, Planned Parenthood of West Texas, Inc. “This regulation will limit women’s access to complete and accurate medical information and hinder her ability to manage her health. Planned Parenthood believes women need and deserve complete and unbiased medical information. We strongly oppose this rule.”
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We need your help to fight back. Please stay tuned to our website for ways you can speak out against this regulation or contact our Public Affairs Department at 432/580-9855 ext. 103.
