PPFA: House Denies Poor Women in the District of Columbia Access to Abortion Services
To: National Desk, Health Reporter
Contact: Adrienne Verrilli of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 202-973-6397
WASHINGTON, July 29 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a statement by Gloria Feldt, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
Today, the anti-choice, anti-women House of Representatives has, once again, blocked access to abortion services for poor women who are residents of the District of Columbia.
Since 1995, this Congress has relentlessly sought to ban abortion and family planning services, targeting the most vulnerable of society -- the poor and the young. This latest vote is just one more example.
For years, the District has sought to use locally raised funds to pay for abortions for its indigent residents. Congress has blocked every attempt. This makes the District the only "state" in the country that does not have the right to ensure access to abortion services. Because of the unique power Congress has over the District's finances, the D.C. Appropriations bill provides a convenient vehicle to enact its anti-choice policies.
All women, regardless of economic status should have access to a full range of family planning services, including abortion. Congress should stop playing politics with women's lives and implement family planning programs that help women make responsible choices regarding their child-bearing decisions.
-0- /U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ 07/29 16:48
Copyright 1999, U.S. Newswire
RSS