ACOG Congratulates Lasker Prize Winners

Washington, DC—The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued the following statement congratulating the Lasker prize winners:

“ACOG congratulates all Lasker Prize recipients for their special achievements and major discoveries in medicine. As the leading organization for women’s health care providers, ACOG applauds Planned Parenthood and Douglas R. Lowy, M.D. and John T. Schiller, M.D for their Lasker awards. These recipients have had lasting effect on women’s health care across the globe by answering questions of comprehensive care and disease prevention.

“Planned Parenthood plays an irreplaceable role in America’s health care system. They guarantee women access to affordable, safe and timely health care. Annually, approximately 2.5 million Americans receive essential preventive care from Planned Parenthood, ranging from cancer screenings to contraceptive counseling. Across the country, they are trusted and valued community partners. ACOG is proud to support Planned Parenthood and its mission and congratulates them on being honored with the 2017 Lasker Bloomberg Public Service Award.

“Together, Lowy and Schiller made significant technological advances that enabled the development of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for prevention of cervical cancer and other tumors caused by human papillomaviruses. Prior to the development of the vaccine, HPV was a considerable public health concern leading to cervical cancer in millions of women. Their efforts paved the way to a solution that protects millions of women from cervical cancer, an often fatal illness, and the fourth most common cancer among women. ACOG congratulates Lowy and Schiller on being honored with the 2017 Lasker DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award.

“Each of these recipients has committed to ensuring women can lead long and healthy lives. We see the effect of both recipients’ contributions to the field of women’s health every day. They are valued leaders and more than deserving of the honors the Lasker Prizes have bestowed upon them.”

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org