Final health reform must cover reproductive health care

Poor women and girls suffer most from exclusion

The passage of comprehensive health care by the U. S. House last night marks a milestone in the fifty year struggle for quality and affordable health care for all Americans. The Senate must act swiftly to pass legislation to move us closer to realizing this dream.

But we must not leave women behind.

The final health care bill must provide access to reproductive health services for all women and girls, whether or not they are poor and receive government subsidized care. We cannot allow income to determine who gets care and services, and who doesn’t.

According to the National Women’s Law Center

, the bill as it now stands would prevent women from securing coverage for abortion care even when purchased with their own funds on health insurance exchanges.

We must ensure that all women have health care reform that meets their essential needs, including their reproductive health care needs.