Victory for women in the military!

I have some good news for your Thursday.

Just moments ago, the Senate Armed Forces Committee passed an amendment to allow our military women to receive abortion coverage in cases of rape or incest.

Your action played a key role in making this happen, and I know our troops are thankful for your support.

This amendment, introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), passed with bipartisan support as an addition to the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.

We applaud Senator Shaheen and the committee members for taking decisive action to provide women in the military with the coverage they need when facing rape or incest. The next step is for the full Congress to follow the committee’s lead.

Women serving in the armed forces defend and protect our country every single day, but the federal government has refused to do the same for them when it comes to their basic health needs in a time of crisis.

For years, the federal government has failed servicewomen by allowing this harsh and antiquated policy to stand. Every woman deserves access to the full range of reproductive health services—not just a select few Congress deems appropriate.

Thank you again for taking a stand on behalf of our military women.

All best,

Nancy Northup
President & CEO

PS - The Center has been actively working with partners in D.C. to end this punishing military ban on abortion coverage—but we need your help. Help us make sure women everywhere have access to the vital reproductive health care they need by making an urgent gift today: https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5971/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=7865&track=dodv512