Media Center: Press Release

Nation's physicians reassert the health risks caused by government intrusion into the doctor's office

Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health cautions the Bush Administration that women's health and scientific integrity hold more value than ideological agendas. The 32nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade follows closely on the heels of Inauguration Day, drawing attention to the need to protect the privacy of the physician patient relationship.

President Bush's first term yielded countless attacks on women's health and the ability of physicians to provide reproductive healthcare without government intrusion. As the medical community braces for four more years of dangerous legislation, it reaffirms the commitment to uphold the highest standards of medically accurate and scientifically based health care.

"Women's health will continue to be jeopardized by laws designed to curtail access to reproductive health care, prevent women from obtaining safe abortions and promote misleading and inaccurate information," said Wendy Chavkin, MD, MPH, and chair of the Board of Directors of PRCH. "Four more years of these tactics combined with the growing likelihood of numerous Supreme Court appointments is a terrifying thought for the medical community and moreover, for the women of America. We will all suffer if legislators continue to overlook the expertise of physicians in favor of politically driven agendas.

"Thirty-two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of protecting women's lives and health while maintaining a woman's right to make private medical decisions. As physicians, we must underscore the medical significance of such freedom, and as advocates we implore President Bush to cease the erosion of such protections."

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