Amendment to House Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Is Another Attack on Women’s Health
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 23, 2013. Planned Parenthood yesterday strongly condemned the adoption of an amendment to limit access to women’s health care by banning the use of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement funds for abortion except in cases of rape, incest and life endangerment. The amendment also goes one step beyond current ICE policy to allow non-medical personnel to interfere with immigrant women’s access to care, without any exceptions.
This amendment to House Homeland Security Appropriations Committee bill, sponsored by Rep. John Carter (R-TX) and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), is unnecessary and an obvious effort to continue the attack on women’s health issues.
Statement by Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“It is disappointing that some members of Congress continue to play politics and attack women’s health – even during an unrelated national security debate. This amendment prevents immigrant women, who often already face terrible circumstances in federal immigration custody, from making extremely personal, medical decisions.
“Abortion has no business being debated as part of a Homeland Security funding bill. This misguided amendment would allow non-medical personnel to block a woman’s ability to access the information and care she needs – even in cases of rape, life or incest. The bottom line is that a woman, not politicians, should make decisions when it comes to her pregnancy.”
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 750 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
Source: plannedparenthood.org
