Planned Parenthood Denounces Anti-Human Rights Nominee Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State

Planned Parenthood: “Mike Pompeo’s record gives us every reason to believe that as secretary of state, he will enable Trump and Pence’s worst instincts and advance the administration’s devastating and relentless attacks on women and communities around the world.”

Washington, D.C. — Despite a shameful record of anti-LGBTQ, anti-Muslim, and anti-women rhetoric and actions, the Senate has confirmed Mike Pompeo as secretary of state. The disappointing vote followed Friday’s release of the heavily censored human rights report by the U.S. State Department, which erases mentions of human rights abuses related to reproductive health.

Statement from Latanya Mapp Frett, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Global:

Mike Pompeo’s discriminatory rhetoric and actions towards LGBTQ people, Muslims, and women are incompatible with American values and the important position of secretary of state. Since day one, the Trump-Pence administration has systematically attacked women’s health and rights around the world – from radically expanding the global gag rule to removing language on contraception and sex education in United Nation agreements to erasing reproductive rights from the State Department’s human rights report. Mike Pompeo’s record gives us every reason to believe that as secretary of state, he will enable Trump and Pence’s worst instincts and advance the administration’s devastating and relentless attacks on women and communities around the world.

“We commend senators who stood up for human rights and opposed the confirmation of Mike Pompeo. We will work with members of the Senate and our 11 million supporters to hold Mike Pompeo accountable and continue to fight back against the Trump-Pence administration’s dangerous actions to systematically undermine the health and human rights of communities across the world.

###

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 Federation of America has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world through our international arm, Planned Parenthood Global. In partnership with more than 100 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 reached over a million people with sexual and reproductive health information and services provided by our partners. 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.