In response to the confirmation of Rep. Tom Price as HHS Secretary, Physicians for Reproductive Health Consulting Medical Director Dr. Anne Davis issued the following statement:
“As physicians who care for women, we are deeply disappointed that Tom Price has been confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). During his time in Congress, Price was a staunch and rigid opponent of comprehensive women’s reproductive health care and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
We hope Tom Price will use the many opportunities afforded to him as HHS Secretary to promote the best medical evidence and improve health outcomes for patients. The ACA’s requirement for health plans to cover preventive care, such as contraception, has been a resounding success, as well as an important step to address health disparities. The days of paying extra fees or high out-of-pocket costs for birth control should remain a thing of the past. The ACA has also brought coverage of childbirth, assistance with breastfeeding, well-child visits, and so many other essential parts of protecting maternal and child health.
Our physicians promise to be bold advocates for evidence-based medicine so that Americans do not lose this vital coverage and are able to get the care they need. We urge Secretary Price to stand up for patients and their families.”