Dr. Robbie Goldstein Calls Out Drastic Measures by State Governments Aimed at Curbing Access to Reproductive Rights Due to Coronavirus 

Mar 26, 2020

In the past week, Ohio, Maryland and Texas have moved to limit access to abortions and reproductive healthcare, claiming that this care is not considered essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anti-choice lawmakers have stated that placing restrictions and outright bans on abortion access protects public health. Dr. Robbie Goldstein, an infectious disease physician and primary care provider at Massachusetts General Hospital asserts that “this is a clear power grab to use a  global public health crisis as an excuse to push forward an anti-choice agenda.”

Dr. Goldstein, campaigning for Congress in the 8th district of Massachusetts, said reproductive health is not a political issue, but an issue of overall health. “As a physician, I have seen firsthand the danger of taking away access to reproductive healthcare, including abortions,” he said.

During a public health emergency, reproductive health access is essential. Reproductive health includes abortion access, ensuring patients can continue to obtain their chosen methods of birth control and safer sex precautions, access to pharmacies and community organizations that provide counseling, and sexual health services. Critical access to testing and treatment, rape counseling and services, pregnancy-related care, and gender affirming care must be maintained, even during a public health crisis. 

As a clinical provider of sexual health services and Medical Director of the MGH Transgender Health Program, Dr. Goldstein knows the importance of immediate access to reproductive and sexual health services. “I’m putting reproductive rights front and center in my campaign. I’m in this race because it’s time to guarantee healthcare for all. Reproductive healthcare is, and always will be, a central part of that mission.”