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Dear John,
A few years ago, the Trump administration went after the Health Care Rights Law—a key part of the Affordable Care Act that protects patients from discrimination in health care. So we sued! We took Trump to court to defend these important rights.
Our lawsuit is still ongoing. But yesterday, in an encouraging step, Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra proposed a new regulation to undo the Trump administration’s attack on our ability to access to care free from discrimination. The rule would substantially strengthen protections against discrimination, and rightfully names the many health consequences of systemic racism, gender oppression, and other discrimination.
As state legislators across the country take care away from transgender people, those seeking abortions following the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and Indigenous communities, among others, it’s essential that the Biden administration do everything in their power to ensure we can all access the care we need—and fast. That’s why we aren’t taking our foot off the pedal and will continue to demand the administration take swift action to stop discrimination in health care and beyond.
In the coming week, I will be asking for your help weighing in with the Biden administration, telling them what we need to see in the regulation to ensure we always put patients first. Because when our health is at risk, nothing should get in the way of receiving the care we need.
To this day, hospitals turn away people seeking abortion care, including when their life is in jeopardy, or when they are experiencing a miscarriage. Transgender and non-binary people are systematically denied health care. And women, LGBQ+ people, Indigenous, Black, and other people of color—especially those with multiple marginalized identities—face discrimination every day while trying to access basic health care. But a strong 1557 rule, one that acknowledges and accounts for our various identities and needs, would ensure that no one is denied the care they need.
Discrimination harms people, whether it's in the health care setting, the workplace, at school, or anywhere else. That is why we will not stop fighting for a world where no one faces discrimination, in any setting. Join us in this fight by making a donation today.
Sincerely,
Dorianne Mason
she/her/hers
Director of Health Equity
National Women's Law Center
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