“We applaud the House Appropriations Committee for lifting the ban on coverage for abortion for Peace Corps volunteers who suffer rape or incest, or whose lives would be jeopardized by continuing a pregnancy. This morning’s action, as part of the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill mark-up, was a significant moment for the Committee, whose members put fairness ahead of anti-choice ideology.

This is a badly needed step to right a wrong that had continued for too long, and to finally provide fair and equal treatment to women who serve their country in the Peace Corps. We are closer to the day when Peace Corps volunteers have the same abortion coverage as other women who get their health insurance through the federal government.

Our heartfelt thanks to Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) for championing this measure.

Peace Corps volunteers absolutely deserve the same protections as other women who rely on the government for their health care coverage. Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee also lifted the ban on abortion coverage for Peace Corps volunteers. We urge the full House and Senate to follow suit, so we can finally end the days when women Peace Corps volunteers are singled out for more limited health coverage.”