An Illinois nurse has resigned after tweeting that she will refuse to prescribe Viagra to white conservative men.
The tweet sparked massive backlash after it was highlighted by the popular Libs of TikTok Twitter account.
Doctor at @sarahbushnews says she prescribes medication based on her patients’ political affiliation and race pic.twitter.com/bri0O2i3zE
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 26, 2022
Shawna Harris was a nurse at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon for nearly nine years, according to her now-deleted LinkedIn profile.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on June 24, Harris tweeted, “I prescribe meds.. I can also choose not to prescribe them. So…from now on…if you are a white male who votes conservative, your penis needs to ask God for the power to rise. No more Viagra.”
The tweet raised alarm about whether or not she would base more serious treatments and care on the patient’s politics, religion, gender, or skin color.
She actually doubled down on her stance when she was first called out. @sarahbushnews pic.twitter.com/5XVcirvZFR
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 26, 2022
Harris initially doubled down on her comments, tweeting, “Bring it. I am allowed to prescribe based on need. If you think God can provide, then why would I not allow for that? Conservative men rely on God to provide… I think that is a wonderful idea. Let us pray…”
This is not the practice of Sarah Bush Lincoln. We provide care to everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race religious, etc. This is being addressed. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.
— Sarah Bush Lincoln (@sarahbushnews) June 26, 2022
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center issued a statement on Twitter responding to the scandal on June 27, announcing that Harris had resigned after the “discriminatory message.”
SBL President and CEO Jerry Esker said in the statement, “Our mission is to provide exceptional care to all. That means we provide care to everyone regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, income, national origin, cultural personal values, beliefs and preferences. Our mission is woven throughout our fabric and discriminatory practices are not tolerated. We are sorry this issue has caused so much turmoil. We will continue to stand behind our mission and provide care to all.”
Update: her page has now been removed from @sarahbushnews website pic.twitter.com/y4FZcRxBVx
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 27, 2022
Harris also changed her tune, writing in the statement that she is sorry for her actions.
“I am deeply sorry for my posts on social media,” Harris began. “I allowed my personal feelings to spill out. Those hateful words are not aligned with how I have provided care to my patients. Sarah Bush Lincoln is a wonderful organization and my actions have tarnished its reputation.”
“I have resigned and know my patients will be well cared for,” Harris concluded.
Harris has also deleted her Twitter account.
