Colin Powell Calls on Congress to Support Abortion Coverage for Military Rape Victims
Colin Powells Calls on Congress to Support Abortion Coverage for Military Rape Victims
In a letter sent to key lawmakers on Capitol Hill former U.S. Secretary of State and retired Gen. Colin Powell calls on Congress to support abortion coverage for military rape victims.
“Restoring abortion coverage to our servicewomen and military family members who are survivors of rape and incest would bring the Department of Defense in line with the policy that governs other federal programs, such as Medicaid or the Federal Employee Health Benefit program,” Powell, along with dozens of military leaders wrote. “At the very least, our military women deserve the same access to care as civilian women who rely on the federal government for their health care.”
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., introduced the amendment which would allow the Department of Defense to cover the cost of abortions for servicewomen who are survivors of rape and incest.
Under current law, the Department of Defense is allowed to only provide coverage for an abortion if the servicemember’s life is in danger. There is no exemption for abortion coverage in the case of rape or incest, unlike many other federal health programs.