Planned Parenthood Applauds Senate Confirmation of Sylvia Mathews Burwell

Planned Parenthood Applauds Senate Confirmation of Sylvia Mathews Burwell 

WASHINGTON, DC — Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards released the following statement applauding the Senate for its vote today to confirm Sylvia Mathews Burwell as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

“We congratulate Sylvia Mathews Burwell on her appointment as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. As the nation’s leading women’s health care provider and advocate, Planned Parenthood looks forward to working with Sylvia Mathews Burwell in her new role to protect and advance the gains made for women’s health and rights by President Obama and his administration.

“Burwell is a well-respected, experienced leader and her career as an economic advisor in the Clinton administration and in the nonprofit sector demonstrates her commitment to public service. With her long record of delivering bipartisan results and her extensive experience with the federal budget, she uniquely understands the health care system. 

“As HHS secretary, Burwell is responsible for overseeing the implementation of one of the greatest advancements for women’s health in a generation:  the Affordable Care Act.  We are encouraged by Burwell’s testimony before Senate committees where she clearly affirmed her commitment to the ACA’s success and to expanding access to coverage, improving the quality of care and helping to curb health care costs.”

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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.