The Reintroduction of the EACH Woman Act, A Show of Strength and Unity

For Immediate Release: January 31, 2017
Contact: michelle@blackrj.org

Washington, D.C.–Today In Our Own Voice applauds the leadership and commitment of Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), along with 102 other members of Congress, for reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH Woman) Act. With the reintroduction they have made it clear that we will not go back, we will be bold and we will end Hyde so that all families have the opportunity to thrive.

Marcela Howell, Founder and Executive Director for In Our Own Voice: NationalBlack Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, had this to say:

“The EACH Woman Act ensures that all women, regardless of insurance, income or zip code, are able to make the life decisions that are best for themselves and their families. The bill removes the barriers that perpetuate stigma, shame and fear about abortion.

Within the last month the House Republicans moved to codify the Hyde Amendment into law passing H.R. 7; essentially putting aside our constitutional right to abortion, and permanently prohibit federal funding of abortion, including under health insurance subsidized by the Affordable Care Act.

The current Administration and GOP are not acting in the best interest of Black women and other impacted communities by seeking to restrict access to abortion services. We know that Black women and men overwhelmingly support keeping abortion safe and legal (80percent) and having healthcare coverage for abortion care regardless of where she gets her health insurance (76 percent).

Although Black women only account for 41 percentof all legal abortions, as compared to 51 percent among white women, federal and state politicians continue to introduce laws that unfairly target Black women and other women of color. Twenty-six percent of Black people live below the poverty level in theU.S., while 10 percent of white people live in poverty. So the restrictions on the use of federal funds to support medical abortions – known as the Hyde Amendment – significantly impacts Black women and their families.

We trust Black women to make the important personal decision that is right for themselves and their families. In Our Own Voice will continue to fight for the right of all women to access reproductive health care, including abortion.”

In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national Reproductive Justice organizationfocused on lifting up the voices of Black women at the national and regional levels in our ongoing policy fight to secure Reproductive Justice for all women and girls. Our seven strategic partners include: Black Women for Wellness, BlackWomen’s Health Imperative, New Voices Pittsburgh, SisterLove, Inc. SisterReach, SPARKReproductive Justice NOW and Women With A Vision.