For Immediate Release
June 20, 2019

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 3330
zeisenstein@siecus.org

(Washington, DC) – Today, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the Trump administration’s Title X gag rule to go into effect in every state except Maryland, while challenges to the rule play out in the courts. Samantha Dercher, SIECUS’ Federal Policy Director, released the following statement in response:

“This administration’s gag rule is a tragic blow to the four million patients who rely on Title X, right now, for vital sexual and reproductive health care. This decision interferes with doctor-patient relationships and will hit hardest for low-income individuals, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and young people, who most often seek Title X-funded care.

Sadly, this stands as yet another play straight from the administration’s anti-reproductive rights playbook. They’ve already: tried to destroy evidence-based adolescent sexual health programs programs and twist them into shame-filled abstinence-only ones; aggressively moved to grant health care providers the ability to discriminate against LGBTQ patients and those seeking abortion care; and have supported a wave of abortion bans across the country.

Let’s be clear: in the classroom and in the clinic, young people need and deserve honest, accurate, complete information about their health. We need Congress to block this administration’s attempts to destroy our sexual and reproductive rights. It is their job to fight back and protect the original intent of Title X: providing comprehensive family planning care to the people who need it. The House of Representatives has already passed an appropriations bill that blocks this rule. We urge the Senate to do the same. And we will continue working to hold all parties accountable.”

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The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) has served as the national voice for sex education, sexual health, and sexual rights for over 50 years. SIECUS asserts that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the rights of all people to accurate information, comprehensive sexuality education, and the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice inclusive of sexual and reproductive rights.