NCJW Declares Resignation of Eric Keroack a Boon to Women's Health

March 30, 2007, Washington, DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today responded to the resignation of Dr. Eric Keroack, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs. An opponent of Keroack's appointment in November, NCJW protested then and still believes that his extreme views on contraception would undermine the goals of the Title X family planning program under his purview. NCJW Executive Director Stacy Kass released the following statement:

"From the time of his appointment, NCJW opposed Dr. Eric Keroack, believing that he was the wrong choice to lead Title X, the nation's family planning program. NCJW members spoke out protesting this appointment and, with Dr. Keroack's resignation, are encouraged that there is now an opportunity to bring new and appropriate leadership to this important health care program.

"The Title X program has a proven track record of providing scientifically based family planning information and contraceptive technology to more than five million low-income women annually. We urge the administration to support that important mission by selecting someone with a demonstrated commitment to women's health and full access to contraceptive technologies and information."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Vanessa Schnaidt
212 645 4048 x179; vschnaidt@ncjw.org