Joint Statement From Pro-Choice Caucus On Stupak-Pitts Vote

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Louise M. Slaughter of New York and U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, co-chairs of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, tonight issued the below joint statement following the vote on the House floor on the Stupak-Pitts amendment to the health care reform bill:

"Placing onerous new restrictions on a woman's right to choose sets a terrible precedent and marks a significant step backwards. This effort will effectively ban abortion coverage in all plans, both private and public – marking a significant scaling back of the options offered under existing laws. Such a terrible, last minute amendment to a critical, historic piece of legislation is a shame. This kind of outrageous interference in health care by the government marks a sad day in this struggle and will result in women across America losing the right to health care."