Physicians and Advocates will urge California Senators to Oppose Abortion Coverage Ban in Health Reform

As health care reform moves forward, we must make sure that reproductive healthcare isn’t left out in the cold! Join us on the steps of City Hall, at 12 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 2 to support health care reform and oppose the ban on abortion coverage.

WHAT: Reproductive health advocates will gather on the steps of City Hall next Wednesday to denounce the discriminatory Stupak/Pitts Amendment and voice their support for health care reform.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 12:00 pm
WHERE: San Francisco City Hall, Polk Street Steps
WHO: Physicians, legislators, and advocates will speak about the importance of passing health reform legislation that includes coverage for abortion services
CONTACT: Libby Benedict, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, 415.734.8500; libby@prch.org

MORE INFO: The Stupak-Pitts Amendment, one of the most controversial issues in the country, adds language to the health care bill that would, if passed by the Senate, heavily restrict federal funding for abortion procedures and compromise women’s health. According to the amendment, no government funds under the new health care plan could go toward the payment for an abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or when a mother’s life is in danger. Those individuals who would receive a government subsidy for health care under the plan — any four-person family making $88,000 a year or less — would also be prohibited from buying an insurance plan that covers abortions. Women may not anticipate their need for abortion, but it remains vital medical care for one in three and a basic human right for everyone.

Invited speakers:
Gavin Newsom, Mayor of the City of San Francisco
Kamala Harris, District Attorney for San Francisco
Dan Bernal, District Director for Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
Jennifer Tan, Senior Representative for Senator Barbara Boxer
Dr. Norma Jo Waxman, Department of Family and Community Medicine at UCSF
Dr. Jen Kerns, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology at UCSF
Dennis Herrera, San Francisco City Attorney

Event sponsors include: ACLU of Northern California, ACCESS/Women’s Health Rights Coalition, Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Law Students for Reproductive Justice, NARAL Pro-Choice California, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and the Women’s Community Clinic.