Los Angeles LGBT Center Responds to Federal Government’s ‘Conscience Rule’ Rollback of Healthcare Protection

#LALGBTCenter #LGBTQ #LGBTrights #LGBTHealthCare

LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2019—In response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announcement of a final rule—Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights in Health Care—which allows healthcare providers to refuse to perform, accommodate, or assist with healthcare services based on personal objections, Los Angeles LGBT Center Director of Policy and Community Building Terra Russell-Slavin issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration's elimination of critical health care protections under the guise of so-called ‘religious freedom’ is a transparent and cynical ploy to discriminate against women and the LGBT community in order to score points with religious extremists. Millions of Americans—including members of the LGBT community and women—are now at risk because they will be denied access to reproductive care and other basic health services. Once again, this Administration has chosen to put crass political pandering to right-wing ideologues above the health and safety of our community. Moreover, this move opens the door to further unbridled discrimination. It is a clear violation of civil rights laws, medical ethics, and basic human values. The Center stands with scores of other community health providers, and civil rights organizations in opposition to this dangerous and shameful decision.”

ABOUT LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2019, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond since 1969. Today the Center's nearly 700 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people can be healthy, equal and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.