Senate Protects Women’s Access to Medical Care, Doctors Say

Defeat of Anti-Abortion Amendment Preserves Current Law and Protects Women’s Right to Abortion

New York, NY—Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health released the following statement today from board chair Suzanne T. Poppema, MD, in response to the defeat of the Nelson/Hatch amendment to health care reform:

“I am grateful that the Senate stood up for women’s health today. No other medical procedure has been singled out for restrictions in health reform the way that abortion has. Throughout this debate, legislators from both sides of the aisle have argued that Congress should not come between a woman and her doctor. I could not agree more. With today’s vote, the Senate kept politics out of the doctor’s office, and left difficult decisions about abortion care where they belong: with women and their physicians.

“While I am relieved that the Senate defeated the Nelson/Hatch amendment, our fight is far from over. This dangerous language is still a part of the House health reform bill, and further abortion restrictions could be introduced in the Senate. We must ensure that abortion rights are protected in the final health reform bill.”

Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health collects stories from doctors about the importance of reproductive health care to women’s well-being.

Physicians are available for comment. Contact Amanda Davis at amanda@prch.org, 646 649-9927.