Hirono Opposes Attacks on Women's Health in Budget Reconciliation Bill

Statement

Senator Mazie K. Hirono took to the Senate floor to speak out against the latest Republican attempts to turn back the clock on women's health care by defunding Planned Parenthood. The provisions to defund Planned Parenthood's critical work are part of the budget reconciliation legislation currently being considered on the Senate floor.

From Senator Hirono's remarks:

"Limiting the ability of women to access health care services at Planned Parenthood clinics across the country is just one part of the Republican anti-women agenda. They refuse to fund day care, family leave, or early childhood education- in fact, one Republican health care proposal would allow insurance companies to eliminate maternity care.

"What's going on here?

"On the one hand, Republicans want to deny women access to reproductive care. And then, on the other hand they also want to punish women for having children by not funding programs that support families.

"I repeat, federal law prohibits family-planning funding from being used for abortion services by anyone, including Planned Parenthood. So, the measure before us today does nothing more than deny millions of women access to birth control and other health care services that are not prohibited and are perfectly legal."

Senator Hirono also remembered Hawaii native Jennifer Markovsky, who was tragically killed in last week's attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado:

"I would like to take a moment to express my condolences to the families of those affected by last week's shooting in Colorado Springs, including the family of Jennifer Markovsky.

"Jennifer grew up in Waianae, Hawaii, and was killed this past Friday at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado in an act of senseless violence.

"I spoke to Jennifer's husband Paul, to express my condolences to him, their two young children, her parents and her ohana."

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