“For the next few years, temporary insurance plans for those with pre-existing conditions will be the best and only way that millions of Americans — including many women of child-bearing age — can get health insurance coverage. It is unnecessary and punitive for the Obama Administration to adopt rules that prevent women from using their own private resources to purchase coverage for abortion services in these plans.

Congress passed no law that made this necessary, and it will mean that women with health problems — who are more likely to have high-risk pregnancies — will go without the care they need. Abortion is part of the spectrum of reproductive health services that are essential to women’s health and well-being. It is a commonly-used, legal medical procedure that should not be treated differently than other health services. We are deeply disappointed that the Administration failed to make the health and well-being of women the paramount consideration in this matter.”