The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) today calls on the Trump administration to stop its practice of separating children from their parents at the border, citing the short- and long-term harm being done to the children.

As an organization of professionals working to improve the health of women, children, and families, including children with special health care needs, we are deeply concerned about the short- and long-term harm done to children by separating them from their families. Research has well documented the impact of adverse childhood experiences on a variety of physical and emotional health problems that last well into adulthood; separation from their parents is undeniably a traumatic event for these children.

AMCHP calls on the administration to reverse its policy of separating children from their families at the border and to take immediate steps to ensure the well-being of affected children by reuniting them with their families.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Amy Haddad, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, at ahaddad@amchp.org.