News Release

AGA statement on US travel ban

Business Announcement

American Gastroenterological Association

Bethesda, MD (Feb. 2, 2017) -- On Jan. 27, 2017, the current U.S. administration signed an executive order impacting immigration and international travel to the U.S. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) issued the below statement in response.

"Science and illness ignore borders and political divides. That is why the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is concerned that the recent U.S. executive order on immigration could limit scientific exchange, delay patient care and impair medical training.

AGA is committed to diversity, which we define as inclusive of race, ethnicity and national origin. Diversity within training programs and laboratories in the U.S. built today's practice of gastroenterology. Scientists from around the world publish in our journals, work in our laboratories, train in our programs, and present data at Digestive Disease Week®. This exchange leads to better patient care, and very sick patients travel to the U.S. from around the world for the best digestive health care.

In light of these concerns, AGA adds our support to a growing number of medical institutions urging the administration to consider the devastating impact of the executive order on the health of the nation that will result from turning away patients, health professionals and researchers. The recent immigration policy is clearly detrimental to America's leadership role in advancing health care, and in the standing of the U.S. within the international community."

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About the AGA Institute

The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. http://www.gastro.org.

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