NARAL and Rep. Barbara Lee applaud Democratic Party platform’s commitment to protecting and expanding abortion access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2016

Platform is best ever for reproductive freedom and reflects the fact that the majority of Democrats have long stood for equal access to abortion care for all women

NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), members of the Democratic platform and drafting committees, released the following statement on the Democratic Party platform’s language supporting a woman’s constitutional right to safe and legal abortion:

“We applaud the Democratic Party for creating a platform drafting process that is transparent and open so everyone’s voices are heard. The result is a product that unequivocally affirms a woman’s constitutional right to abortion, no matter her zip code, pay grade, or source of health insurance. For the first time, the platform explicitly calls for the repeal of the dangerous Hyde and Helms amendments—two policies that deny low-income women access to safe, legal abortion. Ending these policies would root out discrimination in our insurance and healthcare systems and empower women everywhere to make their own healthcare decisions without interference from politicians.

“This platform reflects a consensus of the values that make our party great: a fierce dedication to protecting equality of opportunity and our freedom to determine our own destinies. It is the best ever for reproductive freedom and reflects the fact that 86 percent of Americans agree that politicians should not be allowed to deny a woman an abortion just because she is poor. Furthermore, the majority of Democrats have long stood for equal access to that right for all women.

“We are proud to stand with the Democratic Party and its commitment to protecting the reproductive freedom of all women. And we know that Hillary Clinton is just the candidate to get the job done when it comes to implementing these goals. Hillary Clinton is a champion for reproductive freedom who knows how important it is to give all women the opportunity to make the best decision for ourselves and our families. When she wins the White House in November, women and families across the nation will win, too.”

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