Remember how last week, documents leaked to The New York Times showed that the Bush administration was attempting to redefine many contraceptive methods as abortion, thus making contraception much more difficult to access? Today Hillary Clinton steps out as the most outspoken elected opponent of the plan to date, publishing a statement at RH Reality Check. Clinton writes:
The regulations could even invalidate state laws that currently ensure access to contraception for many Americans. In fact, they describe New York and California's laws requiring prescription drug insurance plans to provide coverage for contraceptives as part of "the problem." These rules would even interfere with New York State law that ensures survivors of sexual assault and rape receive emergency contraception in hospital emergency rooms.
We've seen this kind of ideologically driven move from the Bush Administration before. Senator Patty Murray and I went toe to toe with the Bush Administration to demand a decision on Plan B by the FDA. We won that fight and we need to win this one too.
When I learned about these proposed rules, I immediately joined with Senator Murray to call on the Bush Administration to stop these dangerous plans. I am joining with New York family planning and healthcare advocates to spread the word. Now is the time to raise our voices.
Where is Obama on this issue? He hasn't yet responded to this lame duck lameness.
--Dana Goldstein
