Sanders Statement on Trump Plan to Ban Federal Funds For Clinics That Refer For Abortions

BURLINGTON, Vt., May 18 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement Friday after reports that the Trump administration will ban family planning clinics that receive Title X federal funds from discussing abortion with women, or sharing space with abortion providers:

“Today’s announcement of the ‘domestic gag rule’ which will prevent abortion providers from receiving Title X funds is the latest disgraceful attack on women’s rights by the Trump administration. Title X funds provide much-needed family planning services for millions of people around this country. In Vermont, Planned Parenthood is the only provider of Title X services, and without federal funding, their ability to serve thousands of low-income Vermonters will be seriously limited. I always find it curious that “conservatives” tell us how much they want to get the government off the backs of the people. But, when it comes to women and family planning, they want to the government to tell every woman in America what she can and cannot do with her body.”