FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 27, 2018
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, 202-344-5805, asandusky@nfprha.org
Religious Refusal Rule Creates Unjust Barriers to Care
Statement from Clare Coleman, President & CEO of NFPRHA
WASHINGTON, DC – “In federal comments submitted to HHS today, NFPRHA expressed deep concern that the agency’s proposed religious refusal rule ignores the needs of patients. The administration is attempting to create unjustified and unnecessary pathways to refuse essential health care to a patient. This maneuver threatens to cause unprecedented patient harm and could put many family planning providers in an impossible situation.
“No patient should be denied the preventive care he or she needs, particularly when it comes to sensitive health care services like family planning. Yet, the proposed rule opens the door to undermining the integrity of key HHS programs, including the Title X family planning program. HHS cannot fulfill the mission of Title X if it allows individuals and entities to violate federal law and withhold treatment or refuse to provide counseling, information, or referrals based on their own religious or moral beliefs.
“The proposed rule is a deliberate attempt to deny the health care and information people need to stay healthy and lead meaningful lives. In the interest of patient care and public health, HHS must withdraw this rule.”
Read NFPRHA’s comments: https://www.nationalfamilyplanning.org/file/NFPRHA-Comments----Health-Care-Refusal-Regulations_FINAL.pdf
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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.