Kaine Statement on Women's Health Protection Act

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement after voting in favor of the motion to proceed to the Women's Health Protection Act:

"I am a cosponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act and voted yes on the motion to proceed to the legislation. While I am convinced that the bill can be improved by a full floor debate and amendment process, it is necessary.

Like many Americans, I am personally pro-life but support the core holding of Roe v. Wade -- that women should be able to make their own decisions regarding reproductive health without unreasonable government interference. This is a fundamental matter of conscience and, like many other such matters, is not one that should be dictated by the state.

This same logic explains why I remain a supporter of the Hyde Amendment. Just as I believe it is wrong for state laws to force women to carry a pregnancy to term against their will, I also believe it is wrong for the state to compel pro-life Americans to support abortions through their tax dollars. I believe that codifying Roe v. Wade and maintaining the Hyde Amendment strikes a balance in respecting the choices Americans make regarding abortion. Nothing in the Women's Health Protection Act would undermine the Hyde Amendment."

The Women's Health Protection Act would protect a woman's right to choose and prohibit state governors or legislatures from imposing unreasonable restrictions on accessing abortion services.

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