Planned Parenthood Supports Activist Calls for End to Hyde Amendment as Anti-Women’s Health Politicians Continue to Attack Access to Abortion

WASHINGTON – As anti-women’s health politicians in the House of Representatives convened a hearing today to spread misinformation about abortion, Planned Parenthood Federation of America joins the call for an end to the Hyde Amendment. Since 1976, the Hyde Amendment has blocked federal Medicaid funding for abortion services, with only three narrow exceptions for rape, incest, or to protect a woman’s life. This means Medicaid cannot cover abortion even when a woman’s health is at risk and her doctor recommends she get an abortion.

Statement from Alencia Johnson, Director of Constituency Communications, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Every woman — no matter how much money she makes or who provides her insurance — should be able to access the full-range of reproductive health care, including abortion. Every woman should be able to make her own decisions about pregnancy based on her own unique circumstances, and have the resources she needs to exercise that decision with autonomy and dignity.  

“The Hyde Amendment disproportionally affects low-income women – particularly women of color and young people -- forcing an undue financial strain in order to access safe, legal care. Politicians like the leaders of this House subcommittee should not be able to deny a woman’s health coverage just because of her income or her insurance provider. It is time to end the Hyde Amendment and stop political interference in women’s decision-making. 

"Those who have been unjustly harmed by Hyde are fortunate that women of color have taken on this fight and we stand in support of Kierra Johnson of URGE in her bold leadership as she testified in Congress today.

“Planned Parenthood is committed to health care equity; a goal the Hyde Amendment has stood in the way of for decades. During the Hyde Week of Action, we will support the leadership of the women of color led reproductive justice movement and continue our work to build on the progress they have made to ensure every woman and family has the care they need."

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With approximately 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.