Shaheen Amendment Remains in Defense Bill, Ending Unjust Health Care Policy for Servicewomen

(Washington, D.C.) Today, a congressional conference committee completed its negotiations over the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2013. The version agreed to by the committee includes an amendment introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) to repeal the ban on health insurance coverage for abortion for military women and dependents who become pregnant as a result of rape or incest.

“The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) applauds Senator Shaheen for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the brave women of our Armed Services, who put their lives on the line for us every day,” said NWLC Co-President Nancy Duff Campbell. “Thanks to her amendment, a long-standing and unfair policy is coming to an end.”

“For too long, servicewomen and military dependents have been denied an important aspect of health care coverage,” said NWLC Co-President Marcia D. Greenberger. “It was unconscionable that women who survived rape or incest were forced to pay out-of-pocket for an abortion. But with the inclusion of the Shaheen Amendment, they will have expanded access to the important health care they need. The Center is proud to stand with Senator Shaheen and American servicewomen everywhere.”

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