Statement from NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In yet another alarming proposed rule from the Trump-Pence administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) seeks to gut portions of the Health Care Rights Law, otherwise known as Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. This was the the first law to prohibit discrimination based on sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy-related conditions and termination of a pregnancy. But now HHS is proposing to eliminate many of these key protections.  Furthermore, the rule proposes yet another “conscience” protection that would allow employees to refuse to provide care based on their religious beliefs.

We cannot allow these attempts to roll back such critical protections. The National Organization for Women (NOW) firmly believes that if enacted, this rule would be devastating for LGBTQIA+ patients, particularly for those in the trans-gendered community, and for women in need of abortion counseling and care.

The Trump administration must end these efforts to jeopardize lives and return us to the dark days of religious-based sex discrimination being permitted in health care delivery. NOW remains committed to fighting any discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in all areas, including health services. We strongly oppose this proposed rule and urge our members and supporters to continue speaking out against these unjust, immoral and harmful regulations.

Contact

Kimberly Hayes, Press Secretary, press@now.org, 202-570-4745