Lowey: Comparing Women's Health to Pearl Harbor and 9/11 is Reprehensible

Statement

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) today strongly criticized comments that compared health reforms providing free preventive health care to women to the September 11th and Pearl Harbor attacks.

"Republicans deny there is a war on women yet one likens access to contraception to acts of war and terrorism," said Lowey. "Congressman Kelly's comparison of women's health to Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 attacks is reprehensible."

Beginning today, newly issued health plans will be required to provide free preventive services to women, including contraceptives, HPV screening, and annual preventive care exams. An Institute of Medicine recommendation on women's preventive care indicates this policy can greatly improve women's health and reduce health care costs in the long-term. Many House Republicans have objected to the coverage requirements, which exempt churches from providing contraceptives. Rep. Mike Kelly even went so far as to compare today's implementation date to Pearl Harbor and the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

"It is outrageous that in 2012, House Republicans want to prevent women from accessing health services and that anyone would compare giving women control of their health to terrorism. I am appalled at Rep. Kelly's ignorant and insensitive comments."

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