Trump moves to cut Medicaid, jeopardizing care for millions

For Immediate Release
January 31, 2020

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

(Washington, DC) – Yesterday, the Trump administration announced that it will allow states to cap federal funding for Medicaid, a move that could result in millions of Americans losing access to health care, including sexual and reproductive health services. Samantha Cyrulnik-Dercher, SIECUS’ Federal Policy Director, released the following statement in response:

“This is an attack on access to critical health care coverage for low-income people, full stop. Medicaid covers 74 million Americans each year. Capping funding through block grants, no matter how you spin it, will only cut services and kick people off of their insurance. 

As usual, the brunt of Trump’s efforts to destroy the health care safety net will hit communities already marginalized by the health care system hardest. Medicaid funds essential sexual and reproductive health services. Anyone committed to sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice must make protecting the program a top priority.

Just three years ago, Congress rejected a proposal to dismantle Medicaid during President Trump’s failed attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The administration is now blatantly working to circumvent the will of Congress. SIECUS stands with our partners in demanding that the administration be held accountable for these unlawful attacks on our nation’s health.”

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SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change has served as the national voice for sex education for 55 years, asserting that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. Through policy, advocacy, education, and strategic communications efforts, SIECUS advances sex education as a vehicle for social change—working toward a world where all people can access and enjoy sexual and reproductive freedom as they define it for themselves.