In a final gift to women, President Obama has moved to protect women’s health organization Planned Parenthood by passing a rule barring states from defunding the vital health program.
Though President-elect Trump can work to reverse the rule once in office, the action by President Obama has been one his most decisive actions to protect progress made by Democrats from the incoming extremist Republican agenda.
According to the Huffington Post:
“The administration’s new rule, which the Department of Health and Human Services first proposed in September, prevents states from withholding Title X federal family planning funds from Planned Parenthood (or any other health provider) for reasons other than the provider’s effectiveness at delivering family planning services.”
Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, had this to say about the move:
“President Obama has cemented his legacy as a champion for women’s health. This rule protects birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and other health care for millions of people.”
Of course, defunding Planned Parenthood is the Republican party’s most favorite talking point next to “they wanna take our guns,” and “Benghazi.” Obama’s efforts are valiant, but anyone who cares about women’s rights should feel concerned about the next four years.
We must remain vigilant if we hope to retain these rights and privileges we have come to believe can never go away. They can and they will if we do not protect them.
