Press Releases

Congresswoman Pingree with patients and staff at Planned Parenthood in Portland

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statement on legislation the House will vote on today to restrict safe and legal abortion access in the United States. She will vote against the bill, HR 7.

“Today, in one of their first acts, Congressional Republicans plan to restrict safe and legal abortion access for women in the United States. With the introduction of HR 7, Republicans have told the millions of women who marched last weekend that they want to control their health care choices.

“The biggest economic decision a woman will make in her lifetime is the choice to start a family, and that decision should not be made for her by politicians in Congress. Abortion rights are protected by our constitution and do not belong only those who can afford them. Moreover, what precedent does it set for politicians to start telling patients what health care services won't be covered by their health plans?

“I strongly oppose this bill and will fight any effort to allow the government to make a woman's personal health care choices.”

Provisions of the bill include:

· Making Hyde Amendment prohibitions on federal funding for abortion permanent 

· Disallowing people from using subsidies to purchase insurance plans on Exchange that cover abortion

· Disqualifies small businesses from receiving health care tax credits if they choose plans on the Exchange that cover abortion for employees 

Bill Text: https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr7/BILLS-115hr7ih.pdf

Watch debate: http://houselive.gov/