Black women applaud bill to support reproductive justice

Statement of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell

WASHINGTON — Today, the EACH Act was introduced in both houses of Congress by Representatives Barbara Lee, Jan Schakowsky, Diana DeGette, and Ayanna Pressley and Senators Tammy Duckworth, Mazie Hirono, and Patty Murray. The bill would ensure coverage — by private and government insurance — of all pregnancy related health care, including abortion. 

In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell issued the following statement in support:

“For too long, access to abortion has depended upon a person’s financial means. Rich individuals and those with private insurance plans that include abortion coverage have always been able to get abortion care. But people who depend on the government for their healthcare coverage — including those on Medicaid, in the military, on reservations and federal employees, among others — have not had coverage.

“The Hyde amendment is, at its base, a racist policy that violates the most basic human right to decide whether or when to have children. Congress must pass the EACH Act to ensure that Black women, femmes and all people have unfettered access to the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare services, including abortion services. Abolishing the Hyde Amendment will help us achieve greater economic, social and political power and resources to make healthy decisions about our bodies, our families and our communities.

“In Our Own Voice encourages the House and Senate to pass the EACH Act. It’s time to take back our rights and further reproductive justice.”