Supreme Court Rules Against Philadelphia in its Attempt to Bar Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ People in the City’s Foster Care Program 

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, the Supreme Court ruled against the city of Philadelphia in its attempt to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination within its taxpayer-funded child welfare program.

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

People of all sexual orientations and gender identities deserve the right to decide for themselves if, when, and how to parent, and this narrow decision does not change that basic fact. While today’s ruling only applies to married LGBTQ+ foster parents in Philadelphia’s child welfare program, any step backwards for equality is unacceptable. Twenty-nine states still do not have laws that explicitly protect LGBTQ+ people — half of all LGBTQ+ Americans live in these states. It is critical that all people have the ability to live their lives free from discrimination. Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in any form reinforces the need for Congress to swiftly pass the Equality Act to protect the LGBTQ+ community.

Statement from Dayle Steinberg (she/her/hers) president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania:

This case showed how LGBTQ+ people’s ability to access health care, raise their families, and live their most authentic lives is still under attack. No matter what, Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania is proud to continue to serve the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia, and to provide the resources they need to plan and build their families and their futures. All Philadelphians should be able to decide if, when and how to parent, and our young people have a right to the support and resources they deserve. LGBTQ+ people are Planned Parenthood patients, supporters and staff, and we believe that all people should live free from discrimination and be able to make their own decisions about their families and futures.

Today’s decision comes in the middle of Pride Month, in a year when state legislatures across the country have introduced and passed a record-breaking amount of legislation attacking the health and rights of transgender people. Congress must listen to the overwhelming majority of  the public and swiftly pass the Equality Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex stereotypes, pregnancy and childbirth. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, alongside our partners, signed onto an amicus brief supporting the city of Philadelphia.  

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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