Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood CEO Responds to Proposal to Merge Hospitals in Rensselaer County

ALBANY, NY (02/25/2009)(readMedia)-- "The answer to our national health care crisis is not to turn the problem over to the Catholic Church, or any religious entity. We must stop the continued limitation of the public's access to health care services based on religious ideology. The people of Rensselaer County, the people of northeastern New York, the people of our nation should not have to travel long distances to find a hospital or a health provider that will not restrict access to services based on religious doctrine.

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood has provided affordable, professional reproductive health care in the Capital region for seventy-five years, and our second largest health center is located in downtown Troy. In this capacity, we will, of course, work to prepare for any increased need for services that may result from this consolidation. However, while we have had a positive working relationship with Northeast Health for many years, I must express my disappointment in their willingness to disregard the full health care needs of the women of Rensselaer County.

There is a long and arduous process of review that will take place. UHPP will monitor this process carefully keeping the health care needs of the women and families of Rensselaer County and northeast New York paramount."

Statement from Patricia McGeown, President/CEO of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood

Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood is a community-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education and medical services for reproductive health care in the capital region since 1934. Our services are delivered with special concern for the underserved.