Letter-Writing Campaign

March 23, 2025

Physicians for Human Rights’ Student Advisory Board opposes the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education

The Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board firmly opposes actions that would dismantle the United States Department of Education. 

Created in 1979, the Department of Education was established with the goal of ensuring equitable access to education for all individuals. The Department plays a critical role in providing access to federal funding for students, especially those from underserved communities. Programs like Title I funding for disadvantaged students, Pell Grants for low-income college students, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) help to ensure that educational opportunities are accessible to every student, regardless of their background. These programs protect vulnerable populations, and the loss of protections enforced by the Department of Education would disproportionately harm these groups, further exacerbating inequality and limiting access to necessary resources. 

While these programs have been promised to be preserved, there have already been reports of decreased staffing throughout the departments involved in the determination and distribution of these funding sources. It is unclear how these programs would function without centralization by the Department of Education. The absence or delays of these programs during major transitions could have a profound impact on the efficiency and ability of these resources to be utilized by populations in need—often low-income individuals and communities in resource-poor areas. Additionally, it is unclear how transitioning power and oversight of education to states will allow for standardized educational standards and equity across all 50 states within the United States. 

Education is an essential foundation for public health programs and the securing of human rights. A well-educated population is better equipped to make informed decisions about their health, their rights, and their place in society. In particular, the Department of Education has helped to address systemic inequities in the U.S. educational system, ensuring that historically marginalized communities, including those based on race, disability, and socioeconomic status, have access to the resources necessary for success. Dismantling this Department would jeopardize these vital efforts, undermining the fundamental right to education for all Americans.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations, asserts that everyone has the right to education. The U.S. Department of Education plays a crucial role in safeguarding this right by working to guarantee that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to receive a quality education. The Department ensures that educational institutions comply with federal laws regarding non-discrimination, civil rights, and equal access, and it holds systems accountable when they fail to uphold these standards.

Research has shown that individuals with higher levels of education tend to experience better health outcomes, including lower rates of chronic diseases, longer life expectancy, and better mental health. This is due, in part, to the fact that education empowers individuals to make healthier choices, increases access to healthcare, and fosters community resilience. The Department of Education’s work to improve educational access, reduce dropout rates, and create pathways for higher education contributes to improving overall public health in the U.S.

In conclusion, the Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board strongly opposes the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. We urge leadership to prioritize the protection and strengthening of the federal Department of Education to ensure that all children, regardless of their background or the state that they are located in, have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Sincerely, 

Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board

Children’s Health Letter Writing Committee

March 18, 2025

Physicians for Human Rights’ Student Advisory Board opposes the prohibition of gender affirming care for transgender minors. 

Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board firmly opposes any policies that would prevent transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming care. 

These prohibitory measures would violate the medical, psychological, and human rights of transgender youth across the United States. Gender-affirming care is a critical and evidence-based approach to supporting transgender minors. Medical professionals widely agree that access to gender-affirming care improves the mental health and overall well-being of transgender youth. Research consistently shows that gender-affirming treatments, such as therapy and hormone blockers, are not only safe but life-saving. These treatments help alleviate the distress caused by gender dysphoria and significantly reduce the risk of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

It is important to note that transgender minors rarely pursue surgical interventions for gender affirmation. The true impact of many proposed policies throughout the United States would be a significant reduction in access to the medical aspects of transition—such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy—which are crucial during adolescence, a time when puberty causes irreversible changes. For minors whose gender identity does not align with their sex assigned at birth, these medical interventions help align their bodies with their identities, reducing distress and improving overall well-being.

Furthermore, decisions regarding gender-affirming care are made collaboratively between families, minors, and healthcare professionals. These decisions are based on comprehensive, personalized care and are never made lightly. Prohibiting such care would remove the autonomy of families and healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for each child. It also undermines the rights of transgender youth to access the medical care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

The growing movement to criminalize or prohibit gender-affirming care for minors perpetuates harmful stigma and misinformation about transgender people. Claims suggesting that gender-affirming care is harmful, are misguided and unsupported by credible research. To create policies based on such claims sends a damaging message that transgender youth are unworthy of the same dignity, respect, and care as their peers. We must work to create a society where all young people—regardless of gender identity—can live authentically and feel supported.

As the Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board, we oppose any federal or state-level attempts to restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors. Transgender youth deserve the right to live freely, safely, and without fear of discrimination or harm. By protecting their access to essential care, we are upholding their health, well-being, and fundamental human rights.

Sincerely, 

Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board

Children’s Health Letter Writing Committee

March 17, 2025 

Physicians for Human Rights’ Student Advisory Board opposes H.R. 722: Life at Conception Act

Dear House Judiciary Committee,

The Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board (PHR SAB) strongly opposes H.R. 722, the Life at Conception Act. This bill seeks to recognize the moment of conception as the beginning of life, granting personhood and legal rights to embryos and fetuses under the Fourteenth Amendment.

This legislation poses a grave threat to reproductive rights and essential healthcare access. By granting legal personhood to embryos, the bill could criminalize abortion nationwide— even in cases of rape, incest, or when the health of the mother is at risk. This would endanger women's physical and mental health, as research shows that limiting abortion access significantly increases the risk of maternal death. Research also shows that abortion restrictions lead to increased infant mortality and worse perinatal outcomes. 

Currently, individuals facing pregnancy complications or unsafe pregnancies in states with restricted abortion access are forced to travel to other states for care. Under H.R. 722, this burden would worsen, imposing a significant financial strain on all individuals, particularly those with low incomes who struggle to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and lost wages. This bill would exacerbate barriers, disproportionately affecting those who are already the most vulnerable.

Additionally, physicians would face immense uncertainty, navigating unclear legal risks when providing necessary medical care, which could jeopardize patient safety. The bill could also be used to criminalize miscarriages or other spontaneous abortions, further complicating medical care and burdening both individuals and healthcare providers.

Beyond abortion, H.R. 722 could restrict access to vital fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). The recognition of embryos as persons could create legal challenges for IVF procedures, as evidenced by Alabama’s embryo personhood court decision, which interfered with access to assisted reproductive services. This would place additional burdens on individuals seeking fertility treatments and limit their reproductive choices.

The Life at Conception Act disregards overwhelming scientific evidence that reproductive autonomy is vital for women’s mental and physical well-being. Research consistently demonstrates that access to abortion and other reproductive healthcare services is essential to women’s health. Denial of abortion has been seen to lead to poor maternal bonding with the infant and worse socioeconomic outcomes for families. According to the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans are in favor of abortion access.

By failing to prioritize evidence-based, patient-centered care, this bill seeks to impose legal and moral values that do not reflect the diverse needs and beliefs of individuals across the nation. Reproductive healthcare decisions should be made by individuals in consultation with their healthcare providers, not dictated by the government.

As the Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board, we strongly oppose H.R. 722. We urge lawmakers to reject this bill in favor of policies that protect and support the rights and health of individuals.

Sincerely,

Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board

Letter Writing Committee