Act Today for Reproductive Freedom

With health care reform still on the minds of many, today is a national day of action for reproductive rights, reminds Viva La Feminista, an incredible resource.

Under the latest health care legislation discussion, an amendment sponsored by Reps. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and Joseph Pitts (R-Pa.) will prevent low- and moderate-income women receiving subsidies from using their own money to purchase private insurance that covers abortion, and prevent women with coverage purchased through the new health insurance exchanges, administered by private insurance companies, from using 100 percent of their own money to purchase private insurance that covers abortion. The National Abortion Rights Action League and others are calling for an online day of action for reproductive rights that includes updating Facebook, Twitter and Myspace pages, writing senators about the abortion coverage ban and calling the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

The Center for Repoductive Rights explains why the Stupak-Pitts amendment is a damaging assault to women’s health. The National Organization for Women says the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) as adopted with the Stupak-Pitts Amendment by the House of Representatives on Nov. 7, is the greatest threat to women’s fundamental right to abortion since it was recognized under the Constitution with Roe v. Wade.

Women of color will be disproportionately affected by this amendment. The Gutmacher Policy Review notes low-income women and women of color are less likely than whites to receive needed services, including clinically necessary procedures. Please take time out today on this issue.