FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 19, 2018
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, (202) 344-5805, asandusky@nfprha.org

HHS Actions Will Inflict Harm on Health Care Safety Net and Its Patients
Statement from Clare Coleman, President and CEO of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA)

WASHINGTON, DC – “On behalf of the network of publicly funded family planning providers and administrators, we strongly condemn the steps taken today by the Trump administration.

“Both the proposed rule and rescinded guidance encourage the outright denial of access to essential health services and to specific providers. Rescinding Obama-era guidance that reinforced bedrock Medicaid family planning protections, coupled with seeking to broaden an ability to refuse to provide medically appropriate care without regard for patients, could eviscerate the delivery of high-quality family planning services and supplies. These policies may particularly exacerbate obstacles to care for poor and low-income individuals who already have fewer access points to the care they need.

“Today’s actions contradict longtime statutory protections and public health principles. NFPRHA urges the Trump administration to immediately withdraw these damaging policies.”

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The National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) is a membership organization representing providers and administrators committed to helping people get the family planning education and care they need to make the best choices for themselves and their loved ones. NFPRHA works to enhance the ability of thousands of nurse practitioners, doctors, and other health professionals to provide high-quality family planning care through training and advocacy. For more information, visit nationalfamilyplanning.org.