Over a Hundred People March to Department of Health and Human Services In Opposition of Trump’s Gag Rule
 

Washington, D.C. – Today, members of Congress joined doctors, faith leaders, partner organizations, and Planned Parenthood supporters to demand that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and the Trump-Pence administration withdraw their proposed nationwide gag rule, which threatens access to quality, affordable health care and information for millions of people. People marched in solidarity with the more than 200,000 people who submitted comments to Sec. Azar opposing the proposed rule. In addition, thousands of doctors, nurses, and health care providers are pledging to put patients' needs first and protect the integrity of the patient-provider relationship by opposing Trump’s gag rule. Online, Planned Parenthood launched a series of ads on the homepage of The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Mother Jones, Daily Kos, Talking Points Memo, POLITICO, and The New York Times. The ads call on Alex Azar to withdraw his gag rule.

Supporters marching today carried patient comments on signs from all 50 states opposing the gag rule. Today’s march reflects the beliefs of people across the country, as recent polling shows 73 percent of Americansoppose the nationwide gag rule, dividing Trump’s republican base. Last night, the Republican governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, came out in opposition to Trump’s gag rule. The gag rule violates medical ethics and is opposed by the medical community, including public health experts. Major medical associations, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, and others oppose this rule. The American Medical Association stated that they are “particularly alarmed” by Trump’s domestic gag rule, and the American Nurses Association declared that it “violates basic ethics of the [nursing] profession.”  The National Association of Community Health Centers opposes the gag rule, as do public health experts such as former U.S. surgeon general Dr. Vivek H. Murthy and bioethicist R. Alta Charo.  

Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
 

This gag rule is an attempt to take away people’s basic rights. Period. It’s no wonder people across the country are alarmed — and many are taking action. The Trump-Pence administration has made it clear that they will use every tool at their disposal — from HHS to the Supreme Court — to undermine people’s health and rights. Trump-Pence administration’s gag rule epitomizes their coordinated effort to chip away at people’s basic rights and freedoms. That’s why we won’t stop marching, sharing our stories, and calling for Alex Azar to reject the gag rule.

Sen. Patty Murray (WA), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-21), Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), and Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36), as well as hundreds of doctors, nurses, health care providers, Title X patients, faith leaders, advocates, and supporters participated in today’s march. Attendees marched from the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill to the front of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The proposed gag rule would radically change the way health care has operated in the United States. Specifically, it would:

• Impose new rules designed to make it impossible for millions of patients to get birth control or preventive care from Planned Parenthood;
• Block doctors, nurses, hospitals, and community health centers across the country from being able to refer their patients for safe, legal abortion; and
• Remove the guarantee that you’re getting full and accurate information about your health care from your doctor. For nearly two decades, Title X law has been clear: Health care providers cannot withhold information from you about your pregnancy options. This rule will mean they can.

The comment period for the gag rule ends on July 31. Comments can be submitted here or by texting “NoGagRule” to 22422.

Photo Credit: Planned Parenthood Federation of America

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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 600 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.