Press Article: Massachusetts Lawmakers Rally Against New Abortion Restrictions on Roe v. Wade Anniversary
As the third anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade approaches, Massachusetts lawmakers have gathered to voice their concerns over proposed legislation that could lead to a nationwide abortion ban. U.S. Representatives Lori Trahan, Katherine Clark, Ayanna Pressley, and Senator Elizabeth Warren joined forces at Planned Parenthood in Boston, highlighting the severe implications of what they deem a "cruel" bill.
The legislation, embedded within President Trump’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill,” seeks to restrict insurance coverage for abortion services under the Affordable Care Act and effectively defund Planned Parenthood. An analysis by the National Women’s Law Center indicates that these measures could cut Planned Parenthood’s revenue in Massachusetts by 50%, threatening essential health services for approximately 30,000 patients, many of whom rely on Medicaid.
“This bill would block thousands from care,” stated Dominique Lee, president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. Lawmakers emphasized that 96% of Planned Parenthood’s services are unrelated to abortion, including cancer screenings and contraception.
With the bill having narrowly passed the Republican-controlled U.S. House, it is now moving to the Senate, where modifications are anticipated before possibly reaching the President’s desk. The projected impact is dire: a loss of $1.75 billion for Massachusetts’ healthcare system and an estimated 250,000 people losing coverage altogether.
Senator Warren condemned the bill, asserting it would endanger women’s health and push vulnerable individuals “closer to death.” Lawmakers also expressed their commitment to engage with their Republican colleagues to ensure they understand the human stakes involved in potential voting outcomes. As the debate unfolds, the future of reproductive healthcare hangs in the balance on Capitol Hill.
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