Planned Parenthood Welcomes President Biden’s Intent to Nominate Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta for U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues

This is the administration’s latest nomination to play a key role in the fight for global reproductive rights and health care

WASHINGTON — On Friday, President Biden announced his intent to nominate Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta as United States ambassador-at-large for global women's issues. The Office of Global Women’s Issues, as part of the Department of State, works to integrate women’s empowerment into U.S. policy, diplomacy, partnerships, and programs. In recent years, women, girls, and the LGBTQ+ community around the world have been disproportionately affected by harmful policies like the global gag rule and experienced a shadow pandemic of gender-based violence during COVID-19. Dr. Gupta is a proven and experienced champion for increasing access to health care and gender equality and will lead this important office to advance gender equity.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Planned Parenthood welcomes the important nomination of Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta as United States ambassador-at-large for global women's issues. We are excited for Dr. Gupta to play a key role in delivering on the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to gender equity and equality, which includes efforts to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights across U.S. foreign policies. We look forward to working together to achieve this goal.”

Dr. Gupta has extensive experience in global health and gender equality, working across multilateral institutions and global nonprofit organizations. She is recognized for her work to advance gender equality and for her expertise in health, gender-based violence, and women’s leadership. As the ambassador-at-large for global women's issues, Dr. Gupta will have the opportunity to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights are prioritized in this key office.

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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.

For 50 years, Planned Parenthood Global has supported access to sexual and reproductive health care and advocated for reproductive rights around the world. In partnership with nearly 100 organizations across nine 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. Each year, our partners provide sexual and reproductive health information and services to nearly 2 million people. 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.