BALTIMORE, MD (June 28, 2016) – Today, Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s decision to block a Zika funding bill that placed restrictions on Planned Parenthood: 

“I commend the U.S. Senate for blocking this proposed legislation that would have placed inappropriate restrictions on desperately needed funding to combat the Zika Virus. 

“In public health, it is our duty to provide care for our most vulnerable. The proposed bill was unscientific, inhumane, and threatened to pass undue burden onto those individuals most in need of protection. 

“The costs of contracting Zika in early stages of pregnancy can be devastating and have the potential to impact generations of our citizens. We know that the Zika virus can be spread through sexual transmission. It makes no sense to place limits on Planned Parenthood, which offers vital reproductive health services across the country. 

“Zika is also a disease of poverty that will affect those who already face the greatest health disparities and poorest health outcomes. We cannot strip our communities of these essential resources.

“Local jurisdictions across the country remain in dire need of emergency funding to help fight this crisis. We should not be begging for needed funds for a life-and-death emergency. This is an economic and moral imperative. 

“I urge our leaders to pass sufficient, unfettered funding that is directly available to those of us working on the front lines to fully respond to this public health threat.”