Press Release - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Civil and Human Rights Coalition: Passage of Pence Amendment Would Have "Disastrous Effects on the Well-Being of Women and Girls"
For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Westbrook Simpson, 202.466.2061, simpson@civilrights.org
February 18, 2011
Washington, DC – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement regarding Rep. Mike Pence’s amendment to restrict funding for critical health care services to women and girls throughout the country:
"Health care for all persons in the United States is a fundamental human right that should not be denied for ideological posturing. Regardless of where individuals stand on abortion, this amendment would have disastrous effects on the well-being of the women and girls who rely on health centers like Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) for regular check-ups and family planning.
Over its 95-year history, PPFA has provided medical services and health education to millions of women, men, and teenagers. In 2009, more than 400,000 African American women relied on PPFA for affordable, high-quality care. Loss of these preventive health services denies low-income families and families of color the chance to seek care in a setting that meets their needs and budget. In this time of national economic instability, we can’t afford to further limit access to basic health care services for the 85 percent of PPFA’s clients who are in poverty.
Senators from both parties must now act to protect family health for millions across the country. Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s advocacy for women’s health reaches beyond the direct services it provides and I’m proud to call them a member of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights."
