by Micole Allekotte, Health Fellow,
National Women's Law Center
Today the National Women’s Law Center is joining with other women’s rights and health care advocates and activists in a national day of action to tell Congress and the President that we won’t accept health reform that takes away our ability to buy health insurance that includes coverage for abortion.
The Stupak amendment in the House added language that would in effect prohibit women who are receiving subsidies from buying insurance plans that include coverage of abortion on the exchange, even if they used their own private premium dollars to purchase the abortion coverage. Because the House amendment also prohibits insurance plans that cover even one subsidized person from providing abortion coverage, it is unlikely that any plans offered on the exchange will include abortion coverage, even for those who are not subsidized at all. Join the NWLC in making clear to the Senate that we demand health reform that keeps intact our ability to purchase comprehensive health insurance that includes abortion.
Right now women from all over the country are lobbying their senators to ensure that the restrictive Stupak language contained in the House bill will not be included in the Senate bill. Even if you can’t make it to D.C., you can still make your voice heard. First, and most importantly, call your Senators and tell them that you oppose any amendment that limits women's ability to purchase comprehensive coverage that includes abortion care. Second, sign the petition. Finally, spread the word to your friends and family to join you in standing up for our ability to buy insurance plans that cover all of our health care needs, including abortion. We will not stop fighting until we have health reform that meets the needs of women, including our reproductive health care needs; join us by taking action now.


