April 10, 2013 – Ibis Reproductive Health President Kelly Blanchard commented on the abortion coverage provisions in President Obama’s budget submitted to Congress today:
Ibis was pleased to see some progress in support for women’s access to abortion care in this budget. Women in the Peace Corps will hopefully be able to access coverage for abortion care in cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment. And Washington, DC, will be able to determine whether to use its own local funds to cover abortion care. However, the President left in place bans on federal Medicaid coverage for abortion, so low-income women will continue to unfairly face financial and other barriers to access constitutionally protected health services. We look forward to a day when abortion coverage does not depend on your income, where you live, or whether your employer is or receives money from the federal government. Our research shows that restrictions on abortion coverage harm women and their families. Comprehensive coverage respects women and their right to determine whether or when to have children, regardless of income. We look forward to working with our colleagues and allies to convince this administration and members of Congress to restore public funding for abortion care.”