Planned Parenthood Raises Concerns on Pick of Sessions for Attorney General

WASHINGTON – Planned Parenthood Federation of America released the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General.

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

“Senator Sessions has a long record of attacking women’s access to health care and access to safe and legal abortion. He also holds extreme views on civil rights, voting rights, LGBTQ rights, immigration, and has been hesitant to condemn sexual assault. He was even deemed unfit to serve as a federal judge.

“The Attorney General is chief law enforcement officer and chief lawyer of the United States.  His or her role is central to keeping people in our country safe, including health care providers like Planned Parenthood and the 2.5 million patients we serve who come from all different backgrounds.  At Planned Parenthood, we see firsthand what it means for people who are forced to travel hundreds of miles or wait weeks to get an abortion, if they can at all. These barriers to care have a disproportionate impact on those who already face inequities and barriers in the health care system - including people of color, people who live in rural areas, people with low incomes, and immigrant communities. For these individuals, our chief law enforcement official has great impact on their basic human rights and ability to live without fear.

“Trump has promised to be president for all Americans. Nominating an Attorney General who that has supported racism and discrimination throughout his career is not what that looks like. We expect the Senate to conduct a full and fair confirmation process for Senator Sessions including a robust examination and evaluation of his record and his fitness to serve in this critical role.”  

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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 approximately 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.