Rep. DeGette Condemns Appointment of Anti-Choice Activist to Senior HHS Position

WASHINGTON, April 28 -- Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., issued the following news release:

Congresswoman Diana DeGette, (D-CO), co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, today condemned the appointment of anti-choice activist Charmaine Yoest to be Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, a decision that underscores President Trump's anti-woman agenda.

"Charmaine Yoest should not serve in a key communications policy role at the agency responsible for Americans' health and well-being," DeGette said. "Her position as President and CEO of Americans United for Life, a leading anti-choice advocacy group, as well as her anti-LGBTQ record, make her a shockingly dangerous selection. Time and time again, President Trump's actions -- particularly his federal appointments, show a deep disrespect for women and their rights."

The announcement comes one day before President Trump marks his 100th day in office, a period that has been marked by anti-choice executive orders, political appointments and rollbacks of regulations supporting reproductive rights.