Continuing Support for the EACH Woman Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke on the House Floor in support of the EACH Woman Act to ensure that every women receiving care or insurance through the federal government be covered for abortion services.

Below is a video and transcript of the speech.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of the EACH Woman Act to ensure that every women receiving care or insurance through the federal government be covered for abortion services.

I am glad to join alongside real leaders in the fight for reproductive rights here on the floor today.

I strongly believe that whether a woman has private or government-funded health insurance, she should have coverage for the full range of pregnancy-related care, including abortion.

For 40 years, the Hyde Amendment has interfered with a woman’s health decisions, simply because she’s poor.

Research shows that restricting Medicaid coverage of abortion, as the Hyde Amendment requires, forces one in four poor women seeking abortion to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term.

Women have the right to determine when and if they have children.

That is a right protected under the constitution, for all women, not just those who can afford private health insurance.

I am proud to cosponsor the EACH Woman Act and I call on my colleagues to Be Bold, End Hyde.

Thank you. I yield back