ACEP Opposes Current DHS Practices of Family Separation

For Immediate Release:
June 19, 2018                                                                                     

Media Contact:
Mike Baldyga
202-370-9288
mbaldyga@acep.org
newsroom.acep.org

WASHINGTON — In response to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) practices surrounding separation of children from their parents when detained at border crossings in the Southwestern United States, Paul Kivela, MD, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) released the following statement opposing these actions:

“ACEP recognizes the right of the United States to secure its borders, but as emergency physicians, the practice of separating children and parents suspected of entering the U.S. unlawfully is cruel and will do great harm to the children.

“These separations will significantly escalate mental and physical health risks for both children and their parents.

“We join other professional medical organizations in opposing these practices and call on the federal government to immediately change course regarding separation of immigrant families with children, and instead, better prioritize protecting the health and well-being of the vulnerable children within these families.” 

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing   emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP   has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. 

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