News & Updates

SIECUS Lauds Failure of the Latest Attempt to Strip Health Care from Millions

For Immediate Release
September 26, 2017

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 333
zeisenstein@siecus.org

Statement by Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) President & CEO, Chitra Panjabi:

“Since the election last November, access to health care—for millions of people—has been under endless attack. With each attempted Affordable Care Act repeal effort proposed by Republican members of Congress, came new and more terrifying threats to the sexual and reproductive health of our nation.

As the dreadful Graham-Cassidy bill failed to garner enough support to even come to a vote in the Senate before the September 30 deadline, SIECUS applauds the fact that, for now, the ACA continues to serve as law of the land. We are particularly relieved to see the failure of this bill that would have slashed funding for Medicaid, prevented people from receiving life-saving care at Planned Parenthood facilities, and raised out-of-pocket costs for millions with pre-existing conditions.

For this victory, we are immeasurably grateful to the Senators who opposed the bill. But, most importantly, we are incredibly thankful for you—the activists and constituents—who worked tirelessly to call, text, tweet, and protest this bill that could have devastated millions!

While we support taking a moment to celebrate today’s outcome, we will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to protect and defend individuals’ rights to sexual and reproductive health care—as we always have. Good sexual and reproductive health is critical for lifelong health and wellbeing.

The people’s message to Congress today was clear: Health care matters to the people in this country. And we will not stand for anyone attempting to take our right to it away.”

###

SIECUS affirms that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one that is worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the right of all people to accurate information, comprehensive education about sexuality, and sexual health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice and sexual rights.

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES

Interested in receiving the latest updates from SIECUS? Join our email list today.