Support Reproductive Parity Act: Thurs in Olympia and call senators
Exciting news! The Washington House passed the Reproductive Parity Act (HB 2330) last night by a vote of 52-46! This victory would not have been possible without your calls and emails and your attendance at legislative hearings and our Reproductive Health and Rights Lobby Day. THANK YOU! And thank you to the 52 representatives who stood up for women’s health!
But we’re not across the finish line yet. The Reproductive Parity Act will have a hearing in the Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee this Thursday, February 16, at 1:30. We need to have a strong showing from pro-choice supporters. Please sign up to join us at this important hearing.
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Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee Hearing on the Reproductive Parity Act
Thursday, February 16
1:30pm (the hearing starts at 1:30, but please plan to arrive early – we’re meeting at noon!)
Senate Hearing Rm 4
J.A. Cherberg Building (Capitol map)
We’ll have buttons for you to wear to show your support for all women’s access to reproductive health care coverage.
RSVP here. Carpools are available from Seattle and Tacoma – please let us know in your RSVP if you’re interested in carpooling.
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Just what is at stake? Unless we take action to make sure abortion is covered as basic health care as our state implements health care reform, there is no guarantee that women will continue to have access to comprehensive reproductive health care coverage, including abortion coverage.
Under this legislation, all health insurance policies sold in the state that cover maternity care must also cover abortion care. All women, regardless of income, deserve equal access to health insurance coverage for basic reproductive health care, including abortion.
While anti-choice politicians in Congress try to roll back the no-cost birth control rule, and numerous states across the country have instituted outright bans on health insurance coverage for abortion in their health care exchanges, the Washington legislature is considering a bill that protects access to women’s health care.
Women should have access to all pregnancy options, regardless of their income. Please join us on Thursday and stand up for Washington women!
– Alison Mondi, Public Policy Director, and all of us at NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
P.S. Can’t make it to Olympia on Thursday? Call the legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000 and let your senator know that you support the Reproductive Parity Act (HB 2330).