Bush Appointment of Anti-Birth Control Advocate to Key Health Post Shows Disregard for the Health and Safety of Underserved Communities

Statement by Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, on the Bush administration’s appointment of anti-family planning Eric Keroack, M.D. as deputy assistant secretary for population affairs

WASHINGTON, DC — “The appointment of anti-birth control, anti-sex education advocate Dr. Eric Keroack to oversee the nation's family planning program is striking proof that the Bush administration remains dramatically out of step with the nation’s priorities. Keroack was the medical director of five so-called 'crisis pregnancy centers,' whose policy was not 'to distribute or encourage the use of contraception.'¹  This politically motivated appointment is certainly not in the health interest of women and families.  

“Last week Americans overwhelmingly rejected an extremist agenda, and sent a clear message by choosing candidates who make women’s health care a priority.  For three decades, Title X has fostered healthy families by helping millions of American women plan and space their children through access to birth control services. "

¹ A Woman’s Concern. “ Policy on Contraception and ‘Emergency Contraception” October 2001. https://partners.awomansconcern.org/images/misc/birth_control_policy.pdf