Last Tuesday evening the Senate voted against a “Stupak-like” amendment proposed by Sen. Hatch, R-UT. and Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb. Although there is still a ways to go before a truly comprehensive health plan is constructed, we took this small victory with a 54-45 majority.
Last Wednesday, our staff and activists showed our support for comprehensive health care reform by rallying at the Stop Stupak Lobby Day on December 2nd in D.C. Many of us took time to meet personally with members of the Senate to let them know that we will not support a health reform bill that will severely limit a woman’s access to abortion services. Those of you who couldn’t attend made you’re voices heard in other ways and we thank you. This amendment has been rightfully labeled as discriminatory and needed to be put to an end. Senator Boxer, a Democrat of California said:
It singles them{women} out as a group and would deny women access to a legal medical procedure by dictating what a woman can do with her own private funds. We’ve had a compromise in place for decades that has been fair. Anything that disrupts that compromise is a huge step back for women.
There is still a chance that this type of language could be included in the final bill. Without the support of all of you it might not have been possible, so we thank you. Your continued support is crucial and will make a difference. It’s not too late to contact your representatives. We will keep you informed every step of the way. Please continue to make your voices heard. Remember that comprehensive healthcare is what America needs…ALL of America.
By Jennifer Leigh Velez, Policy and Advocacy Intern
