Weinstein: "The symbolism of the bill's House passage is indeed important, demonstrating the unfortunate reality that women's reproductive rights remain at risk."
Contact: Sean Thibault or Sarah Krinsky
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Washington D.C., June 19, 2013 - In response to the House passage of the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, Barbara Weinstein, Director of the Commission on Social Action, issued the following statement:
"Yesterday evening's House passage of the "Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" introduced by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) is an affront to women and all who support women's right to make decisions about their bodies and well-being. The legislation, rooted in assertions about the developing fetus that are scientifically questionable at best, would ban abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy. That the House would even spend time considering this legislation (the most restrictive anti-choice bill to be voted on in several years) let alone pass it, is deeply disappointing. After a year where a majority of members of the House of Representatives delayed passage of an inclusive Violence Against Women Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act has yet to come to the floor, this vote further highlights the chamber's failure to respond to the needs of women across America.
We know that yesterday's vote was symbolic, since the Senate will not take up the bill and the President has said he would veto it. We thank the Senate leadership and the President for protecting women's rights in this way. Yet the symbolism of the bill's House passage is indeed important, demonstrating the unfortunate reality that women's reproductive rights remain at risk. Our Jewish values remind us of every woman's right to self-determination and we remain committed to ensuring the rights affirmed by Roe v. Wade are protected and intact for the well-being of future generations of American women and their families."
