Planned Parenthood President Condemns Blatant Attempt to Stigmatize Abortion and Criminalize Doctors

WASHINGTON, DC -Today, the U.S. Senate will vote on S.6, a deceptive bill about a made- up problem; its sole intent is to stigmatize abortion and criminalize doctors who perform essential health care in complex medical circumstances. Professional organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly oppose S.6 and measures like it. Later this week the House is expected to vote on an identical bill, H.R.21 - the Reproductive Health Care Surveillance Act. In response, Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, set the record straight:

"This bill is deliberately misleading and offensive to pregnant people, and the doctors and nurses who provide their care. At a time when we are facing a national abortion access crisis, lawmakers should be focused on how to bring more care to the communities they serve, not spending their time spreading misinformation, criminalizing doctors, and inserting themselves further into medical decisions made by health care professionals. This bill is not based in any reality of how medical care works, and it's wrong, irresponsible, and dangerous to suggest otherwise."

Facing the Facts:

• This is not a new bill or tactic. For the past decade, members who oppose abortion care have introduced this and similar disingenuous legislation every Congress.
• This bill exacts extremely cruel criminal and financial penalties against doctors and undermines the doctor-patient relationship by granting unqualified lawmakers the right to override a physician's best judgment.
• Doctors and clinicians oppose this bill because it prevents them from providing patients with the best care.
• This bill threatens doctors who treat high-risk patients in complex medical circumstances. Lawmakers should not have any say in the professional judgment of health care providers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly opposes these legislative efforts, calling them a "gross interference in the practice of medicine."
• In fact, voters in Montana rejected a ballot referendum about similar efforts in 2023.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.