Instead of ending the government shutdown affecting the economic security of people around the country, the Senate is focusing on an ill-informed bill that would essentially ban insurance coverage for abortion for millions of Americans.
In response, Dr. Meera Shah, Fellow of Physicians for Reproductive Health, issued the following statement:
“As a family medicine doctor who provides everything from cancer screenings, to HIV prevention, to abortion care, I know that it is vital for everyone to have affordable access to the full spectrum of health care options, especially when they are pregnant. This bill will put abortion care out of reach for people nationwide.
It’s time to lift abortion coverage bans once and for all.
“I see how cost determines whether or not someone is able to get the care they need. No one should have to choose between paying rent or paying for their abortion, yet that’s a reality many of my patients face. Studies show that when Medicaid coverage is restricted, one in four women are forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term.
“Instead of restricting abortion care, I want politicians to bring health care policy to where the evidence-based medicine is. We know that when laws delay access for abortion care and raise costs, it threatens people’s lives and their ability to thrive. It’s time to lift abortion coverage bans once and for all.”