“Passage of the reconciliation bill last night was a shameful display of contempt for women’s health on the part of the United States Senate. If it were to become law, this bill would reverse the significant gains the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has brought and decimate women’s access to comprehensive reproductive health care. It is another callous attempt by anti-choice, anti-women senators to score political points at the expense of women’s health, well-being and economic security.

This appalling legislation guts the ACA, the greatest advance for women’s health in a generation. It would repeal Medicaid expansion, blocking millions more people from getting the health care they need. It would defund Planned Parenthood, denying millions of women high-quality preventive care, including birth control, cancer screenings, screenings and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and abortion care.

This bill is wrong for women, families and the country. We thank every senator who voted to defeat it. While we are grateful that President Obama will veto this legislation, its passage in both chambers is a painful reminder that Congress is badly out of touch with the country and unwilling to legislate in the best interests of women and families.”