Boxer Says Republicans Target Women in Their Government Shutdown Demands

Statement

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) released the following statement today on the House GOP's vote to shut down the government in an effort to delay health care coverage for millions of Americans and deny women affordable birth control and other essential health care benefits that are guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act.

"In exchange for keeping the government open, Republicans are demanding that all future benefits under the Affordable Care Act be stopped, including affordable insurance options for millions of Americans. They keep all the current benefits in place except for the benefits for one group of Americans -- women.

"If Republicans get their way, no longer will women be entitled to affordable birth control and well-woman checkups where they can be screened for breast cancer, pregnancy-related diabetes, cervical cancer and domestic violence.

"Republicans are calling this a "conscience clause,' but it is nothing of the sort. There already is a strong conscience clause in the law. This is simply an effort to target the benefits for women.

"Republicans are holding the entire country hostage in order to prevail in their war on women and stop our families from getting affordable health insurance."

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