Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL): Anti-Choice Law A Non-Starter

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WASHINGTON, DC (November 10, 2009) – Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement committing herself to vote against health care reform that erodes a woman's right to choose. As a co-chair of the Congressional Women's Caucus and member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, Rep. Schakowsky has fought to expand women's rights and improve health care for all women. Rep. Schakowsky has added her name to letters that are being sent to the President and the Speaker, plainly establishing her position.

"In the critical fight to reform our health care system and expand access, we cannot marginalize women by forcing them to pay more for their care or limiting their access to a legal medical procedure. If left as is the health care reform bill would be the largest repeal of anti-choice laws in nearly four decades. It is not a continuation of current law as the proponents claim.

"The pro-choice caucus worked night and day to find an acceptable compromise that all parties could support including prohibiting one penny of federal dollars for abortions. I will continue to work with the Senate and the Conference Committee to make the bill acceptable, but cannot and will not support health care reform that blatantly discriminates against women."

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