Today, the House of Representatives passed federal spending bills which include historic investments in education, housing, childcare, workers, and makes critical investments in our nations’ health care programs.
President and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health Dr. Jamila Perritt responds:
“This historic spending bill eliminates the Hyde Amendment, and related abortion coverage restrictions. Coverage bans disproportionately harm Black, Brown, and Indigenous people, young people, those living in rural areas, and people with low incomes, all of whom are more likely to rely on government sponsored insurance for health coverage because of systemic barriers and inequities. This moment comes after decades of leadership from women of color, including advocates on the ground and our fierce partner organizations in the All* Above All coalition.
Abortion coverage bans like the Hyde Amendment are discriminatory.
“Abortion coverage bans like the Hyde Amendment are discriminatory. As a physician I know how important health coverage is. No patient should be denied care because of their zip code, income, or the type of health insurance they have.
“The package approved by the House of Representatives today also includes critical investments in access to sexual and reproductive health care and increasing health equity. Now it is up to the Senate to carry on these historic gains and pass spending bills free from harmful abortion coverage bans.”