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Dr. Lamb: HB 434 would instate a gag rule on providers like me
Dr. Ashley Lamb, MD MPH
Imagine this: A New Hampshire college student visits her on-campus health center after learning she is pregnant. She turns to her trusted health care provider for guidance on what to do next, but state law forces her provider to withhold information about some of her options. This seems like a dystopian scenario, but it could happen right here in the Granite State if HB 434 were to become law.
This bill, which will soon be voted on by the New Hampshire House, would institute a “gag rule” on providers like me at our state’s public colleges and universities. HB 434 would restrict my ability as a physician to speak freely with my pregnant patients about all of their options.
My Turn: Legislation endangers practice of medicine
Published: 2/16/2021 6:01:00 AM
The New Hampshire Medical Society, along with the New Hampshire American Academy of Pediatrics, New Hampshire Psychiatric Society, New Hampshire American College of Physicians, New Hampshire Academy of Family Physicians, oppose House Bill 544, “An Act relative to the propagation of divisive concepts.”
This bill defines and prohibits the dissemination of certain divisive concepts related to sex and race in state contracts, grants, and training programs.
From a public health standpoint, there is clear evidence that inequities and disparities disproportionately affect people of color and women. We need to learn about these topics in trainings in order to address them and create true health equity in New Hampshire. If we can’t talk about the facts, we can’t solve the problem.