Women’s healthcare groups worry about Price confirmation

Liberal women’s health organizations are worried about the confirmation of Tom Price to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing his past statements and positions on abortion, birth control and ObamaCare. 

“A vote for Tom Price is a vote against affordable birth control, access to reproductive health care, and a vote against Planned Parenthood,” said Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards.

Price, who was confirmed during a 2 a.m. vote Friday morning, will play a significant role in the GOP’s effort to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

As HHS secretary, he will also be able to remove a requirement that insurance companies cover all forms of birth control approved by the FDA at no cost to consumers.

{mosads}He has expressed support for defunding Planned Parenthood because it provides abortions, though federal funds are legally prohibited from covering the procedure.

Illyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, slammed Price as “unprepared” to lead HHS.

“Senate Republicans have promoted Rep. Price and put the health and well-being of all Americans in jeopardy,” she said.

“Throughout his career, Rep. Price has gleefully advanced his own political ideology and self-interest at the expense of sound health-care policy.”

Still, anti-abortion groups rejoiced in Price’s nomination as they hope to see their policies advanced by the Trump administration. 

“He is a staunch pro-life ally whose leadership helped lay the groundwork for President-elect Trump and a pro-life Congress to redirect taxpayer funds away from abortion businesses like Planned Parenthood to community health centers that provide comprehensive health care for women and families,” said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. 

“He will be well-positioned as HHS Secretary to champion health policy that respects the conscience of pro-life Americans and protects the lives of the unborn while also promoting options for low-income individuals and families.”