FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Statement attributable to:
Sterling N. Ransone, Jr., MD, FAAFP
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians is disappointed that the Senate has again failed to protect access to evidence-based health care for women. The Women’s Health Protection Act would have codified federal protection of access to comprehensive health care—including reproductive health care—by prohibiting inappropriate restrictions on abortion and ensuring the ability of patients to receive this care, free from governmental intrusion.
“It is critical that we work together to strike down laws that enable governmental interference in the confidential relationship between patient and physician, including those related to criminalizing evidence-based medical care. Additionally, a ruling to reverse Roe v. Wade would make patients’ access to reproductive health subject to varying state laws – resulting in unequal access to care in different parts of the country. This will ultimately exacerbate health inequities and lead to worse health outcomes.
“Open, honest and confidential communication between the patient and physician is a cornerstone of family medicine and is essential to the provision of safe and high-quality medical care. Federal law should protect patients’ ability to seek and clinicians’ ability to provide timely, evidence-based care and protect both from discrimination and retaliation.
“The Academy continues to advocate for everyone’s right to health care and to protect our family physicians and the patients they serve. Patients must be free to make their own medical decisions, and reproductive health is no exception.”
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.