One of the most sacred aspects of the
patient-physician relationship is trust. Part of that trust is earned
when a physician is able to have open, honest and comprehensive
conversations with patients about their health care. The revision
of Title X regulations issued today creates a fundamental interference
that inhibits a physician’s obligation to fully counsel patients. Any
situation in which a physician is prohibited from delivering all
critical health-related information to a patient
is unfair and dangerous for all involved. This rule and the pathway it
intends to build toward further restricting access to health care
services are unconscionable.
In what can only be construed as an attempt to
defund Planned Parenthood, the rule has effectively jeopardized access
to health care for millions of women, especially those from underserved
populations who rely on Title X funding for
reproductive and other health care needs. The Massachusetts Medical
Society and its 25,000 member physicians and medical students will not
under any circumstance support actions that fly counter to our oath to
help our patients.
Dr. Alain A. Chaoui, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
