Melania Trump's Boston hospital visit sparks protests from medical professionals: 'We really do care, do you?'
The protesters included doctors, nurses and other hospital staff who raised their concerns about how the first lady's visit will appear to their immigrant patients.
First Lady Melania Trump was met with protests from dozens of medical professionals during her visit to the Boston Medical Center on Wednesday. She was reportedly at the hospital to attend a cuddling program for drug-exposed infants and highlight the issue.
The protesters consisted of doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff members who raised their concerns about how Trump's stop to their hospital will appear to their immigrant patients. The professionals reportedly told local reporters that through their protest, they wanted to highlight that they do not support the immigration policies of the Trump administration, according to the Daily Mail.
Multiple protesters held signs against the first lady's visit outside the hospital, with many taking a swipe at Trump's infamous jacket she wore to her Texas border visit to see children of immigrants separated from their families. The first lady's jacket, which read: "I really don't care, do u?" caused widespread outrage. Two women at the protest were spotted wearing a white doctor's coat with the words "We really care, do u?" written on the back.
Some of the other signs read: "Children in cages can’t be cuddled," "We stand in solidarity," "We care for all families," and "families united not divided." Boston Medical Center is a safety net hospital that sees many immigrant patients.
The protest against Trump's visit was also supported by 'Squad' member Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. The hospital falls within her district.
Medical professionals standing in solidarity at Boston Medical center in protest of First Lady Melania Trumps visit.
— Scott McDonnell (@ScottMcDonnell_) November 6, 2019
First lady visiting cuddle program at Boston hospital for babies born on drugs.@boston25 pic.twitter.com/DPDaFxnI5j
Pressley, in a statement, said: "For the thousands of vulnerable patients – especially immigrants, people of color, and new moms and babies with serious health concerns – today’s visit is more than just a photo op. It’s a chance to remind and educate the Secretary and First Lady of the ways in which our medical centers work to eliminate disparities and ensure that all people, regardless of income and immigration status, have a fundamental human right to health care."
The cuddling program at the BMC is designed to treat babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The first lady, who was there as part of her Be Best campaign, during her visit, said: "I hope today’s visit shines a light on your cuddling program and the many other choices available for pregnant women."
