Hastings’ Statement on Republicans Targeting Women’s Healthcare Worldwide

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement ahead of the House Committee on Rules meeting on H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2017, and in response to President Trump's executive order reinstating the 'global gag-rule:'

"The House Republican leadership has chosen legislation attacking women's reproductive rights as their very first priority following President Trump's inauguration. The legislation being debated today by the House Rules Committee is nothing more than a continuation of the Republicans' war on women and part of the Trump-Ryan agenda that seeks to punish women for making their own healthcare decisions.

"Further, the fact that President Trump chose to reinstate the Global Gag Rule in his first set of Executive Orders is very telling about his priorities. Reinstating this failed policy will actively prevent vulnerable women in developing countries from receiving life-saving healthcare, and will result in many unwanted pregnancies and deaths worldwide.

"Yesterday, our nation marked the 44th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Sadly, Republicans are stuck in the past and remain obsessed with controlling women's reproductive rights, both here at home and around the globe.

"Women are already denied abortion coverage because of how much they earn. H.R. 7 is an insulting bill that doubles down on that sentiment by making insurance coverage bans permanent, disproportionately impacting low-income families and women of color.

"Instead of using the House's time to address healthcare, job creation, or national security, Republicans have shown where their true priorities lie. Neither Congress nor the courts have the right to place restrictions on a woman's constitutionally protected freedom of choice. I will continue to oppose these misguided efforts that seek to roll-back women's rights in America."

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.

Read this original document at: http://alceehastings.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398752