“It was good news today when the Senate joined the House of Representatives in approving the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes language providing health coverage for service women who are pregnant as the result of rape and incest. Civilian government employees and most other women who rely on the government for health care have long had this coverage; it was past time to say ‘good riddance’ to the callous and unjust ban that unfairly penalized military women, who sacrifice so much for this country.

This was a modest step toward more compassionate and reasonable health policies for women, and it must not be the last. We commend Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) for championing this measure, and all the military leaders who spoke out for it. We will not stop working until other discriminatory and dangerous anti-choice measures have been repealed.”