DeGette, Lee, and Schakowsky: We Are Done Playing Defense on Women’s Health

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) joined Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and 62 co-sponsors to introduce the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or EACH Woman Act.

The bill would ensure health coverage of abortion for every woman regardless of her income, how she is insured or where she lives. In essence the bill would end the harmful Hyde Amendment policies that restrict a woman's ability to make the best healthcare decisions for herself and her family.

"We are done playing defense against attacks on women's health," said Rep. DeGette. "Today's introduction of the EACH Woman Act marks the first step in our march toward the day when each and every woman can make her own decisions about pregnancy."

"Each and every day, the rights of women are under attack in America – today, we push back because every person has a right to healthcare. The EACH Woman Act is a bold and groundbreaking step forward. This legislation would ensure that every woman can access ALL of her healthcare options, regardless of how much money she earns or where she lives," said Rep. Lee. "Regardless of how someone personally feels about abortion, none of us, especially elected officials, should be interfering with a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions just because she is poor."

"I am proud to co-lead the EACH Woman Act because it is time for us to go on offense to ensure every woman has access to abortion services. All women, no matter their income level, what state they live in or what health insurance plan they have, should have access to the full range of reproductive health services," said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. "Each woman should be treated fairly, and this Act will help achieve that reality."

A newly released poll, conducted by Hart Research, found that eighty-six percent of voters agreed that "however we feel about abortion, politicians should not be allowed to deny a woman's health coverage because she is poor." Support was strong across age ranges and the statement won the support of 79 percent of Republican surveyed.

More than half of those surveyed expressed support for a bill similar to the EACH Woman Act. Additional information about the poll is available here.

The bill has already won the support of 30 national and state organizations.