President Trump is preparing to push a “gag rule” – his most dangerous attack on women’s basic rights, ever.
It’s a cruel policy designed to keep people from having access to the best health care available, and it will mean people won’t get the information, birth control, cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, and other care they need.
The administration’s gag rule includes two unprecedented attacks on patients and doctors:
- Doctors and nurses across the country would be forbidden from referring patients for abortion. Even if someone asks for information, even if their health is at risk, even if a safe and legal abortion is their best option.
- There would be no guarantee that you’re getting full and accurate information about your health care. If someone discovers she is pregnant after being diagnosed with cancer, for example, her health care provider may not tell her that abortion is even an option.
This rule is designed to block access to preventive care at Planned Parenthood health centers, which serve more than 40 percent of the four million patients who rely on Title X (the nation’s program for affordable birth control and reproductive health care).
We need to show just how many people oppose this dangerous policy – and right now is our chance. The administration will be accepting comments, and every single one of them matters. Go to http://bit.ly/ProtestGagRule and voice your opposition.
Let’s be clear: Title X does not cover abortion services, and the law already prohibits federal funds from covering abortion. Instead what this rule will do is restrict people’s ability to access basic preventive care.
We’re not backing down, but that means we need you with us. Thank you for sticking up for patients and standing with Planned Parenthood.
Written by Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
