Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore offered a motion to recommit to H.R. 7, the "No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act." The motion would prohibit any violation of the medical privacy of a woman regarding her personal choice of health insurance coverage, including victims of rape and incest. The Congresswoman released the following statement:

H.R. 7, the "No Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act," is a sad return to the divisive culture wars of the past and represents a highly contentious and damaging detour on America’s road to economic prosperity. Not only does it fail to build on our country’s economic momentum and address the concerns of working and middle class families, but it also raises taxes on millions of small businesses and penalizes those that offer comprehensive health coverage to female employees. 

After the midterm elections in November, Republicans made a promise to the American public that they would focus their efforts on the economic well being of their constituents. Despite considerable opposition within their own party from courageous legislators like Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (NC-02), this promise was quickly abandoned, just days into the new legislative session, in pursuit of yet another drastic assault against women’s reproductive freedom and care. Meddling in the private health care decisions of women and their doctors is as unnecessary as it is offensive.

This radical campaign against American women is a sad and predictable byproduct of the vast gender gap in our legislative process. With only 20 women serving in the Senate and 84 in the House, nothing underscores the need for greater female inclusion and participation more than the ongoing efforts of those who seek to impose harsh restrictions on a women’s personal right to address her own health and well being. Progress towards closing the gender gap has been glacial to say the least, but if there is any silver lining to be found in this disheartening turn of events, it’s the potential for more women to be inspired to serve and help us protect our sisters against such divisive and reprehensible tactics.