FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2019
Contact: Audrey Sandusky, 202-344-5805, asandusky@nfprha.org

HHS Rule Puts Access to Care in Grave Danger for Millions

WASHINGTON, DC Today, the Trump administration released a draft version of its final health care refusal rule that threatens to significantly expand the ability of health care providers and entities to withhold treatment, counseling, or medical information based on religious or moral beliefs—without any regard for patients’ health needs. The following is a statement from Clare Coleman, President & CEO, NFPRHA.

“The administration’s action today imperils our nation’s health by encouraging individuals and entities to refuse to provide health care because of their own religious or moral beliefs.

“The health care refusal rule threatens the integrity of key HHS programs, including the Title X family planning program. Title X cannot achieve its mission if HHS is allowed to circumvent federal law requiring grantees, providers, and contractors to provide treatment, counseling, or other medical information. This final rule ignores the needs of the patients and individuals served by HHS’ programs and will create significant confusion about the rights and responsibilities of health care providers and entities.

“Today’s rulemaking represents a deliberate attempt to block access to the health care and information people need to stay healthy and live meaningful lives. In the interest of patient care and public health, HHS must withdraw it.”

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NFPRHA is a membership organization representing publicly funded family planning providers and administrators nationwide. NFPRHA advances and elevates the importance of family planning in the nation’s health care system and promotes and supports the work of family planning providers and administrators, especially those in the safety net. For more information, visit nationalfamilyplanning.org.

National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association

1025 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-293-3114  |  info@nfprha.org

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