National Women's Law Center Urges Senate To Support Health Care For Servicewomen

Shaheen amendment would address long-standing inequality for servicewomen, improve access to comprehensive health care

(Washington, D.C.) The Senate continues debate today on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which includes an amendment introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) that would expand health insurance coverage of abortion for women serving in the military.

Federal health insurance coverage of abortion is currently only available to a servicewoman if continuing a pregnancy would endanger her life. Servicewomen seeking an abortion after rape or incest must pay for such care themselves, in contrast to other federal employees who get their health insurance coverage through the federal government. The Shaheen Amendment would address this long-standing inequality.

“Women in the military put their lives and safety at risk in service to our country,” said Nancy Duff Campbell, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), “yet they don’t have full health care coverage when they have experienced rape or incest. Senator Shaheen’s amendment would at least bring the Department of Defense in line with other federal laws that currently provide coverage of abortion under limited circumstances, including rape or incest. It is a matter of basic fairness.”

“Senator Shaheen’s amendment would correct an unfair and unjust policy and improve the lives and health of women who willingly risk their lives for us,” added NWLC Co-President Marcia D. Greenberger. “The Center urges the Senate to fulfill its responsibility of protecting the health of women in the military by supporting this important issue.”

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 For more information, visit: https://standwithservicewomen.org