News from STATE SENATOR
Liz Krueger
New York State Senate, 26th District
Dear Friends,
As most of you already know, the debate on health care reform is moving ahead in Washington. This issue represents one of the most important discussions of our generation. Unfortunately, the current health care reform bill has moved forward with an amendment which severely diminishes the progress we've made toward ensuring women's basic reproductive rights. We must not allow this amendment to be part of the final bill.
I am therefore asking that you join me in sending a letter to your representatives and senators urging them to strip the unacceptable language of the Stupak-Pitt amendment from the final version of any health care reform bill. Below is the text of the letter I have sent to New York's representatives and senators. Please feel free to use the same letter, or change the letter as you see fit.
Sincerely,
Liz Krueger
State Senator
November 12, 2009
Members of the New York Congressional Delegation
Washington DC 20515
Dear Senators and Representatives:
I write as a strong supporters of health care reform who is deeply disappointed with the inclusion of anti-choice language in the house version of this legislation that passed on November 7th. I urge you to ensure that the final health care reform package ensures that women are not denied access to basic reproductive services, including abortion.
The Stupak-Pitt amendment that was adopted and included in the house bill would make it virtually impossible for private insurers participating in any new health care system to offer abortion coverage to women. In effect, this would mean a reduction of access to reproductive choice for women across the country. Presently more than 85 percent of private insurers offer abortion coverage. Under the Stupak amendment, women would lose benefits, and President Obama has assured the American people, time and again, that no one who kept their present insurance would lose benefits with health care reform.
I agree that reforming the nation's health care system is essential to the health of all Americans, as well as the future financial stability of the nation. It would be tragic if we should gain this necessary reform at the cost of women's basic reproductive rights. This cynical political manipulation by anti-choice activists must be challenged in the days ahead to ensure that health care reform does not come at the expense of women's lives.
I therefore urge you to act to ensure that the final version of health care reform legislation is stripped of the unacceptable language of the Stupak-Pitt amendment. Thank you for your hard work to achieve health care reform, and I am happy to provide any assistance you need in working toward a final bill that meets the goals of reform while protecting a woman's right to choose.