Yesterday, President-elect Donald Trump named Representative Tom Price (R- Georgia) as the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump’s selection of Price, a vocally Pro-Life lawmaker, is good news for the nation. Under President Obama, HHS was led by anti-Life Kathleen Sebelius and her successor, Sylvia Burwell.
The Washington Post reported the news after a press release sent early Tuesday. In a statement, Trump called Price “exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible health care to every American.” Pro-Lifers have grave concerns about the HHS Contraception Mandate imposed by the Obama administration after the passage of the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare). The contentious mandate has led to numerous court cases, most famously from Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters of the Poor. Trump’s appointment of one of the most outspoken critics of the Affordable Care Act bodes well.
Pro-Lifers are optimistic that Price, an orthopedic surgeon and longtime advocate of healthcare reform, will successfully implement Trump’s campaign promises. In addition to the pressing legal questions of the HHS Mandate, the Affordable Care Act includes inhumane death panels and sweeping authorization of unelected bureaucrats. The Obama administration’s unprecedented anti-Life agenda and threat to religious liberty requires that the next administration act strategically. Price appears to be a strong Pro-Life choice to begin the long process of reform.
The Susan B. Anthony List praised the selection of Price. SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser stated:
He has a 100 percent pro-life record and is well positioned to champion truly comprehensive health care. He helped lead the charge to defund Planned Parenthood through budget reconciliation, setting the stage for President-elect Trump and a pro-life Congress to reallocate those funds to support comprehensive women’s healthcare. As HHS Secretary, he will play a key role in developing a robust health care reform proposal that protects life and consciences, while promoting options for low-income individuals and families.
Former critics of President-elect Trump are also optimistic about the appointment of Price. House Speaker Paul Ryan tweeted that Price “has made health care his life’s work,” and “he is the absolute perfect choice for HHS Secretary.” The Republican majority in the House has voted numerous times to repeal all or parts of Obamacare. All efforts have failed, because Obama will not approve lawmakers’ votes. Under President-elect Trump, Pro-Lifers hope to finally and successfully overhaul the Affordable Care Act’s anti-Life agenda