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The Progressive

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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Contact: Tel: +1-212-216-1832,Email:,hrwpress@hrw.org

US Senate: Reject Abortion Coverage Restrictions

Interference with Women’s Decisions at Odds with Human Rights and Legislation’s Intentions

NEW YORK

The "Stupak amendment" to the House health care reform bill, which would effectively eliminate abortion access for millions of women, threatens women's human rights, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to US senators today. The restrictive provision was included in the final health care reform bill that passed the House earlier this month, and similar language is likely to be considered in the Senate.

"The Stupak amendment will put access to safe abortion out of financial reach of millions of women," said Marianne Mollmann, advocacy director for women's rights at Human Rights Watch. "Our research shows that this kind of restriction does not prevent abortion - it just drives women toward cheaper underground services that may endanger their heath."

The amendment, if signed into law, would prohibit anyone receiving a federal subsidy for health insurance from using it in the newly created government exchange to purchase an insurance plan that includes coverage for abortion except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. As a result, it would limit access to insurance coverage for abortion for many low and middle income women. It also could undermine existing coverage for women on employer-based private plans, 87 percent of which cover abortion.

Existing federally subsidized medical care such as Medicaid is already subject to a federal funding ban, in place since 1977, except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. The majority of states do not provide funding for abortion services that fall outside these exceptions. Out-of-pocket cost for a safe abortion can range from $500 to $1,500.

"Choice is already an illusion for women with limited financial resources," Mollmann said. "But this proposal directly contradicts the intentions of this huge effort to expand health coverage. Instead of ensuring that everyone has maximum access to health services, the government would be denying access and inserting itself between women and their families in profoundly personal decisions."

Human Rights Watch is one of the world's leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. Our rigorous, objective investigations and strategic, targeted advocacy build intense pressure for action and raise the cost of human rights abuse. For 30 years, Human Rights Watch has worked tenaciously to lay the legal and moral groundwork for deep-rooted change and has fought to bring greater justice and security to people around the world.