Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7, a sweeping ban on abortion coverage for virtually all women, whether they obtain coverage through federal programs or private insurance companies. In response to the vote, Heidi Williamson, Senior Policy Analyst of the Women’s Health and Rights program at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
It is sad that weeks after we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty, lawmakers are still creating more barriers for America’s most vulnerable women. Congress denies federal insurance coverage of abortion each year, but this bill goes even further by making the Hyde Amendment permanent law and restricting private insurance coverage for abortion, even for women who purchase private insurance with their own money. Rather than banning legal medical procedures, lawmakers should take up a real women’s agenda that promotes access to higher education, family planning, and equal pay.
To speak with experts on this issue, please contact Madeline Meth at [email protected] or 202.741.6277.
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