Speaking Out on Health Care Services Attacks

NEWBURGH – Before the federal administration’s unethical and unconstitutional Title X “gag” rule is implemented on May 3, Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV) is hosting events with elected officials and local partners to draw attention to what’s at stake in New York State.

For nearly 50 years, Title X has provided high-quality, patient-centered primary and preventive reproductive and sexual health care to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Title X funding helps ensure that every person — regardless of where they live, how much money they make, their background or whether or not they have health insurance — has access to basic, preventive reproductive health care like wellness exams, birth control, cancer screenings and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. In February, the Trump-Pence Administration released a final “gag” rule that will fundamentally alter this critical program.

On Tuesday, April 16, PPMHV held a Title X teach-in to educate community members at its Newburgh health center (136 Lake Street, Newburgh, NY 12550). Following the teach-in, District 104 Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, Newburgh Mayor Torrence Harvey and Orange County legislator Kevindaryán Luján joined PPMHV president and CEO Ruth-Ellen Blodgett, New York Civil Liberties Union Chapter Director Shannon Wong and Rabbi Dennis Ross of Concerned Clergy for Choice in a brief press conference addressing the health care landscape as the gag rule’s implementation looms. Also in attendance was Geraldo Alvarez, Director of Constituent Services for Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, and Oneida Escobar, Constituent Relations Specialist for State Senator James Skoufis as well as PPMHV patient advocate Andrea Ciminello, PPMHV supporters and staff.

In New York, Planned Parenthood serves 52% of the patients seeking care at a Title X funded health center, and this rule will prohibit Planned Parenthood from participating in the program.

Further, the rule prohibits providers from referring women and trans people for abortion care, even when they explicitly ask. This rule is opposed by major medical and public health associations, and we simply cannot allow these draconian requirements here in New York.

Ruth-Ellen Blodgett, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley said, “Trump’s disastrous gag rule could devastate access to care for people in New York, and health care providers across the country cannot let it stand. Unpopular among medical experts and the American people, the federal gag rule is a by-design public health crisis intended to make it impossible for Title X patients to obtain services from Planned Parenthood health centers.

“Blocking patients who rely on Title X could leave people with nowhere to go for birth control, cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment – even general wellness exams.

“Know this: our doors are open, and we will do everything in our power to stop this dangerous rule. Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley will always be here for our patients and will continue to fight for everyone’s ability to get affordable, quality health care. Health care is a human right, and patients deserve to hear all their reproductive options, no matter where they live or how much they make.”

New York State Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) said, “Elected officials should not be determining what doctors and their patients may discuss. All patients should be fully informed of their treatment options by their health care providers. Trump’s gag rule is a direct attack on women’s and trans people’s ability to make the best reproductive health care choice.”

Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said given the large number of single-parent women in the city, continued funding of these programs is of utmost importance.

On Thursday, April 25 at 4:00 PM, PPMHV will be hosting another Title X teach-in, followed by patient roundtable at 5:00 PM at its Monticello health center (14 Prince Street, Monticello, NY 12701). Confirmed attendees include Congressman Antonio Delgado, State Senator Jen Metzger, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther staffer Matt McPhillips, as well as a PPMHV health care provider, PPMHV patient advocates and staff.