Planned Parenthood Clergy Advocacy Board Applauds Historic Biden-Harris Budget Proposal Ending Hyde Amendment

Washington, D.C. — The Clergy Advocacy Board of Planned Parenthood Federation of America recognizes the historic importance of the Biden-Harris administration’s release today of a budget without the harmful Hyde Amendment. For far too long, the Hyde Amendment has blocked people who use Medicaid and other federal health programs from being able to access abortion. It has disproportionately harmed people of color, and unethically created a greater divide between those who can access health care and those who experience barriers to the care they need.

Statement from the Clergy Advocacy Board of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America

“Our religious traditions call us to affirm the dignity and worth of all people, and the right of each person to the reproductive health care they need. This in turn requires us to address the injustices of the Hyde Amendment. We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for taking this important step to end the decades of harm imposed by this unjust and deeply harmful rule. The Hyde Amendment is based on misogyny, racism, and power. This immoral law contributes to a world in which control over one’s body and access to health care depend on one’s income — and because of centuries of systemic racism, on one’s race. Each person deserves to be protected when deciding whether to become a parent, and to have access to the care they need.”

“As faith leaders representing a diversity of religious faiths, we support the right of each individual to make personal health care decisions according to their own morals and beliefs — it’s past time we end the Hyde Amendment.

Background on the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Clergy Advocacy Board:

Building on the long history of faith leaders taking an active role in supporting reproductive health care, the Clergy Advocacy Board has been working with Planned Parenthood at the national and state levels to further the goal of full reproductive rights and freedom for all people for more than two decades. Its members, who are dedicated clergy and faith leaders from different denominations and communities throughout the U.S., lead a national effort to increase public awareness of the theological and moral basis for advocating reproductive health. 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all 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, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.