Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES)

PACES Special Statement

The Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) is an international group of physicians and allied professionals dedicated to improving the care of children and young adults with cardiac rhythm disturbances. PACES has always advocated for patients engaging with their health care providers about their health care decisions and related risks. Clinical practice guidelines recognize the dangers of pregnancy in certain high risk patient populations, and as such, PACES opposes legislative interference that threatens access to health care for vulnerable populations including fetuses, children, teenagers, individuals with congenital heart disease, heart rhythm disorders and other cardiac conditions. Legislation which restricts access to care will worsen existing gaps in health disparities. Our patients need to be able to receive evidence-based care that is right for them without limitations, without threats, without harm and without having to travel outside their immediate communities. In some instances, pregnancy may threaten their health, well-being, and longevity and access to abortion and essential reproductive care is critical in these scenarios. As clinicians our responsibility is to provide our patients with evidence-based care founded in science that is in accordance with their clinical conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions based on their own beliefs and goals. Along with other leading medical and health care organizations dedicated to patient care and public health, we condemn legislation that restricts access to health care and jeopardizes the health of the patients and families we serve.