U.S. Senate Committee Narrowly Votes to Confirm Pompeo, Caving in to Trump-Pence Administration’s Anti-Human Rights Agenda

Washington, D.C. — Despite a shameful record of anti-LGBTQ, anti-Muslim, and anti-women rhetoric and actions, Mike Pompeo’s nomination for secretary of state advanced with a razor-thin approval in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. 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 are incompatible with American values and the important position of secretary of state. On the heels of the State Department’s release of its annual human rights report with major cuts to sections on reproductive health and rights, it is important now more than ever to have a secretary at the helm that champions human rights rather than undermines them.

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.  Advancing Pompeo’s nomination fuels the administration’s anti-human rights agenda by attempting to install Trump’s favorite yes man. We urge senators to vote no on his confirmation.

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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 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.