Today, the HEAL for Immigrant Families Act was reintroduced in the House and Senate.
Dr. Jamila Perritt, President and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, responded with the following statement:
“I applaud Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Nanette Barragan, Senator Cory Booker, and countless advocates who made today’s reintroduction of the HEAL for Immigrant Families Act possible. As a physician who provides care to many people, including those from immigrant communities, I know that passing the HEAL for Immigrant Families Act is critical to helping immigrants get the health care they need.
Health care should be a basic resource that people can access in their communities without fear of stigma or criminalization
“Health care should be a basic resource that people can access in their communities without fear of stigma or criminalization. For too many people, including for immigrants, because of the over politicization of health care, this is not the case. Immigrants have always been and will always be integral and valued members of our communities. The health care immigrants have access to should reflect that. This includes access to comprehensive reproductive health care as everyone should be able to make supported decisions about their bodies, their families, and their futures.
“The HEAL Act would remove xenophobic, politically motivated barriers that prevent immigrant communities from accessing health services, including limiting access to federal health programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These restrictions disproportionately impact Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other immigrants of color, and exacerbate inequities in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions.
“Especially as we continue to navigate the ongoing public health crisis, it has been made abundantly clear that health care free from discrimination should be the reality across this country for every person, family, and community. Physicians for Reproductive Health is a proud supporter of this important piece of legislation.”
