Press release: Reproductive Rights speakout: Overturn the Hyde Amendment!

Press Release
FEMINISTS SPEAK-OUT
12:30 PM
MONDAY, OCT. 3, 2005
WOMEN’S CHOICE HEALTH
570 14th Street, Oakland (across from Federal Building)
Media contact: Tanya Smith (510) 643-3538

In 1977, Congress passed the Hyde Amendment that restricted the use of federal funds to women seeking abortions. On October 3, 1977, Rosie Jimenez was the Hyde Amendment’s first known fatality. On the anniversary of her death, feminists demand that the federal government repeal the loathsome Hyde Amendment. Rosie Jimenez, who represents countless other poor women and women of color, will not be forgotten.

Like other women in 17 states who depend on federal assistance, Ms. Jimenez was unable to obtain a safe, legal abortion. To receive health care she would have had to carry the baby to term. She died of a botched abortion on this day, 28 years ago in the state of Texas.

Women who serve in the military face the same unjust treatment since their health care does not cover abortions and they must pay for these from their own pockets.

This policy puts poor women at far greater peril than women of means. It could be changed easily by legislators championing the needs of women, especially poor women and women in the military. But neither the Democrats [when in control of the House and Senate] nor the Republicans have shown the initiative of speaking up for the equal rights of women across this country. In short, our government, in defiance of widespread public opinion supporting a woman’s right to choose, effectively denies this choice to many women.

We continue to battle on many fronts—John Roberts is the new Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, Proposition 73, the “Parental Notification” measure is on the November ballot to try and limit a young woman’s access to abortion, and the government shows no signs of ending the war in Iraq. By building a movement which connects the source of these attacks, we can win reproductive justice for all women.

Come to a speak-out on Monday, October 3, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. in front of the Women’s Choice Clinic, 570 14th Street, Oakland, (across the street from the Federal Building).

Endorsed by BACORR, Radical Women, and the Socialist Party USA