Congresswoman DeGette's E-Newsletter - A Radical Assault on Women's Health

Statement

Dear Friends,

As you might know, women's reproductive health is once again in the news.

Last Tuesday, the Administration announced its decision to drop its appeal to block over-the-counter emergency contraceptives for ALL women. While I did not agree with effort to block distribution in the first place it is a significant breakthrough for women's health. This development will mean greater access for over-the-counter contraceptives for all women, providing a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancies. Despite the announcement, efforts by House Republicans are already underway to encourage the Administration to continue their efforts to block access to these drugs and insist age restrictions are put in place. While it is welcome news that this additional option for pregnancy prevention will be more available, the threat to women's reproductive still exists.

On Thursday, Republicans in the House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 1797 the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, or as I call it the "No Choice for Women Act". As introduced, the House Republican's extreme proposal would ban all abortions after 20 weeks nationwide with no protections for women who are victims of rape or incest. At a time when Americans need their elected officials to focus on creating jobs and building our economy, House Republicans seem more interested in reigniting the war on women and limiting access to a safe and legal medical procedure.

House Republicans are taking a deeply personal and complex decision out of the hands of a woman and her doctor. Leading medical groups have also opposed this legislation referring to it as a proposal not based on sound science. Moreover, the American Medical Association "strongly condemns any interference by the government" that hinders physicians "medical judgment as to what information or treatment is in the best interest of the patient." Doctors and patients should be the only people making medical decisions, not politicians.

As co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus,I have long advocated for women's reproductive health and wellness, and will remain committed to fighting the attacks on women's access to constitutionally protected medical services and birth control. Instead of working on legislation to strengthen the economy and the middle class, the House Majority appears intent on pursuing legislation that disrespects the judgment of American women and is nothing less than a radical assault on women's health. Please know, I will continue to stand up against these extreme and desperate attempts to end women's access to legal health services.

As always I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest news from Washington and in the district. Also, you can visit my website at www.degette.house.gov, where you can read my positions and learn about the different ways my staff can assist you. While there, be sure to visit the "Contact" page and send me an email about the issues that matter most to you and your family. Finally, be sure to share this email with your friends, family, and neighbors so that they too can be a part of this important dialogue.

Sincerely,

Diana DeGette

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