Planned Parenthood Federation Issues Statement on President Trump Nomination for Second Circuit Court Nominee

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 -- The Planned Parenthood Federation of America issued the following statement by Acting President Alexis McGill Johnson:

After today's hearing for Steven Menashi, President Trump's nominee for a seat on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Planned Parenthood released the following statement in strong opposition to his nomination. Appointed as part of the immigration working group to advance the administration's racist immigration policies, including banning Muslims and separating immigrant children from their parents, Menashi has written that it is beneficial for countries to "privilege the immigration and citizenship of particular ethnic groups." He has argued against the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive coverage policy, has opposed access to emergency contraception for college students, and has referred to abortion rights as "radical" and closely associated himself with anti-abortion group, the Federalist Society. As Betsy DeVos' right hand man, he helped roll back Title IX protections. He currently serves as associate counsel to President Trump and is a former top lawyer at the Department of Education under Secretary DeVos.

"Donald Trump has nominated a proud defender of ethnonationalism for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench. Someone who thinks certain ethnicities make better citizens than others has no place in our courts.

"At a time when white supremacy continues to fuel rising acts of violence, it is more important than ever to disavow judicial nominees who view diversity as a threat to American society, rather than a strength.

"Steven Menashi has supported policies that are overwhelmingly racist, sexist, homophobic, and Islamophobic. Access to sexual and reproductive health care is on the line.

"People of color, the LGBTQ community, women, and Muslims need someone who will protect their constitutional rights -- not someone who has spent his career working against them. We cannot afford to have someone like Menashi sit on our federal courts for a lifetime appointment. We call on the Senate to vote 'NO' on Menashi."

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.