Planned Parenthood: Currie Must Confirm Reproductive Rights are Human Rights

Nominee should stand up to Trump’s attacks on women’s health worldwide

WASHINGTON — Tomorrow, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing for Kelley Currie, who has represented the administration in its worst attacks on women and girls around the world, for the position of Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. The Office of Global Women’s Issues at the State Department has a mandate to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls through U.S. foreign policy. Headed by an Ambassador-at-Large, the office leads the Department’s efforts to include women and girls in U.S. diplomacy, partnerships, and programs.

Statement from Caitlin Horrigan, Director of Advocacy, Planned Parenthood Global: 

“From day one, the Trump administration has relentlessly attacked reproductive health and rights. While paying lip service to women’s economic empowerment, the Trump administration radically expanded the global gag rule, blocked funding to UNFPA, censored reproductive rights information, and slashed international family planning programs putting women around the world at risk. 

Kelley Currie has played a troubling role promoting the administration’s global agenda against sexual and reproductive health and rights. We need someone in this role who will stand up for women and girls across the world, not just someone who will rubber-stamp the Trump administration’s harmful agenda. Senators must hold her feet to the fire to ensure that the millions of vulnerable women and girls across the globe get an Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues who will fight for the full spectrum of their rights, including their sexual and reproductive rights.”

Kelley Currie has led much of the administration’s engagement at the United Nations, including:

• Representing the U.S. during the vote on the Global Compact on Refugees, where the U.S. was the only country to oppose the resolution;
• Representing the U.S. in a resolution on humanitarian assistance where she shared the U.S. position, opposing the terminology “sexual and reproductive health.”

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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.

For more than 45 years, Planned Parenthood Global has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world. In partnership with more than 120 organizations across 12 focus countries in Africa and Latin America, we advance the health and rights of young people, women and families, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and underserved. Last year, our partners provided over 5.6 million people with sexual and reproductive health information and services. Our unique sustainability model sets us apart, as we empower partners to stand on their own. We help grassroots organizations develop solid reproductive health programs, identify other sources of funding, build their communications and advocacy skills, and develop strategic plans. Planned Parenthood Global is the international arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.