January of 2015 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision upholding a woman's right to legal abortion. Unfortunately, for decades that right has been undermined by the Hyde Amendment, a policy that bans women who are insured through public programs from insurance coverage for abortion.
So many families today are struggling to make ends meet, and no woman should have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the healthcare she needs.
Act today — tell the President to lift bans that deny insurance coverage for abortion.
Dear Mr. President:
Now is the time to be bold: we need you to take a strong stand against the Hyde Amendment and all bans that deny women and families the health care they need.
[Your comment will be added here]
Withholding coverage for abortion care creates profound hardships for millions of women and families, particularly for those who already face significant barriers, like low-income women, immigrant women, young women, and women of color.
While nearly one third of states provide some abortion coverage with state Medicaid dollars, data from the U.S. Census indicate that today, nearly half of Latinas and approximately 70 percent of Black women--and a majority of all women of color--live in states where Medicaid coverage of abortion care is denied in cases beyond those of life endangerment, rape, and incest.
For many women, coverage for abortion care means the difference between getting the health care she needs and being denied that care. We ask you, Mr. President, join us in standing up for the ability of women to make personal health decisions without interference.
The time is now. These policies have harmed our families, our communities, and our health for far too long. We urge you to eliminate all abortion coverage restrictions in your FY 2016 budget.
Signed,
[Your name]
