Press Releases
05/02/2018
Gov. Malloy And Lt. Gov. Wyman Commend Planned Parenthood's Action Against Trump-Pence Administration
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, and members of the administration released the following statements in response to Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit against the Trump-Pence administration, alleging that the dramatic changes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is making to the Title X program – including changing the program so that it no longer focuses on either birth control or reproductive health care and instead pushes patients toward abstinence and tries to prevent patients from utilizing Planned Parenthood’s services – are contrary to the Title X statute and regulations, which make clear that Title X is meant to provide comprehensive, evidence-based contraception and reproductive health services.
Governor Malloy said, “Planned Parenthood is right. The Trump-Pence administration’s attacks on reproductive health are not only disastrous for the millions of women at risk of losing access to contraceptive services, cancer screenings, and other basic health necessities – they are illegal affronts to the letter and spirit of Title X. This once again underscores the need for state-level legislation ensuring that no matter who the President of the United States is, Connecticut women have access to Planned Parenthood’s quality health care services.”
Lt. Governor Wyman said, “This is another attempt to defund Planned Parenthood and curtail the very important healthcare services they provide to women – and men – throughout the nation. Healthcare should be rooted in science and best practices – it’s the foundation of strong communities, a productive workforce, and a high-quality of life. It shouldn’t be a political football.”
Department of Social Services Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby said, “Safeguarding Planned Parenthood from this kind of harassment is a must, and we applaud the organization’s legal action on behalf of women across the nation. In Connecticut, many women also rely on Planned Parenthood for their annual flu shots and other vaccines, mammograms, breast and cervical cancer screening, smoking cessation groups and treatment, to name a few of the vitally important services. And no one should gloss over the fact that Medicaid coverage of services at Planned Parenthood involves women with very low incomes. Health services for all women should be protected from being disrupted at any level, but the possibility of hurting the health of women without financial resources and alternatives is especially unacceptable.”
Department of Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell said, “We provide guidelines and encourage districts to provide school-based health care resources such as access to developmentally-appropriate sexual health services, discussions and information about healthy relationships, and education about and access to contraception because we know that children learn better when they are healthy. Going forward, we need to continue working collaboratively with school personnel and community agencies to implement policies that ensure students have more access to sexual health resources, not less.”
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Office of Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman