Feinstein Statement on Republican Attacks on Women's Health

Statement

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) issued the following statement today on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on contraceptive coverage.

"These attacks on women's health must stop. There seems to be a major effort to remove a woman's ability to control her own reproductive choices. I strongly disagree. Women should have access to comprehensive reproductive care, and should be able to decide for themselves how to use that care.

"To extend the abortion debate into contraception, which is exactly what is happening now, is reprehensible.

"Yesterday's photo -- an image of men dominating a discussion on women's health -- illustrates an indifference to women's rights. Not a single woman was on that panel. Tens of millions of women across the country need insurance coverage for basic preventative health care services, but not one was allowed to testify. To say this is a big step backward is an understatement.

"Democracy and freedom of speech are two pillars of our society, and I welcome debate. But to hold a congressional hearing on women's health while suppressing the voices of women is simply wrong.

"This is a blatant attempt to roll back access to contraception. Policies regarding women's health should reflect the concerns of women and the voices of women, regardless of party affiliation or place of employment."

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