As the confirmation processes of the new administration’s anti-choice Cabinet nominees move forward, it is critical that Senators vote against the nominations of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) for U.S. Attorney General, Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education, and Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). All three nominations form an alarming pattern of appointments by the new administration that pose a direct attack on women’s health. In response, Dr. Anne Davis, Consulting Medical Director of Physicians for Reproductive Health, issued the following statement:
“Sen. Sessions brings an alarming record of extreme hostility toward patients and reproductive health care providers. He has repeatedly voted against an amendment that would prevent perpetrators of violent crimes against abortion providers from evading fines by filing for bankruptcy. He also opposed the creation of a ‘Women’s Health Care and Clinic Security and Safety Fund’ that would provide safety measures for reproductive health providers and clinics. Patients and clinic staff need protection from violence and harassment and Sen. Sessions’ strong anti-abortion positions call into question his ability to protect us. Sen. Sessions also has a troubling history of racism and bigotry that rightfully causes great concern for many of us, our patients, and their communities.
Rep. Price puts politics before medicine. Instead of voting for medically sound policies that prioritize the well-being of patients, Rep. Price’s votes have threatened the health of women around the country and shown that he does not understand what women need from their doctors. We expect the leader of HHS to understand and apply evidence-based medicine to improve health outcomes for everyone, not make them worse.
Betsy DeVos, who would to lead the federal government’s education programs, supports abstinence-only sex education – proven ineffective time and time again. She also supports crisis pregnancy centers that deliberately mislead patients about their pregnancy options including abortion.
We strongly urge Senators to stand up for the health and rights of their constituents and vote against the confirmations of Sen. Sessions, DeVos, and Rep. Price. The health and well-being of our nation depends on it.”