I, along with 73 percent of Americans, am opposing the “gag rule” addition to the federal Title X because it would further limit already limited access to health care, especially for the most disadvantaged in our community.
As a single mother, I rely on Medicaid and Title X funded facilities. This gag rule would affect my access to health care. If I walked into such a facility when this gag rule starts, my health care provider’s ability to provide me with safe, reliable information regarding birth control, cancer screenings, STD testing and treatment, would be restrained — even if my life depended on it.
I fear for the future. What kind of helpful information will my son receive from his health care providers — if any? What access will he have to safe and effective birth control and sexual health information? Our children should not be barred from accessing medically accurate and reliable information regarding their health.
Many Alaskans, such as myself, rely on Title X-funded services for their health care. This gag rule would essentially prevent health care providers from giving information for potentially life-saving medical treatment to those in our community who are most in need of them. I urge others to oppose this rule.
— Melody Hawkins
Anchorage
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