NWLC Celebrates Senate Introduction of Spending Bill Without the Hyde and Weldon Amendments

(Washington, D.C.) Today, the Senate introduced the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill, omitting the Hyde and Weldon amendments for the first time in decades.

The following is a statement by Gretchen Borchelt, Vice President for Reproductive Rights and Health at the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC):

“Today we celebrate that for the first time ever, a spending bill was introduced in the Senate without the harmful abortion restrictions known as the Hyde and Weldon amendments. It comes at a time when people across the country desperately need leaders to fight for their access to abortion, and all reproductive health care. We thank Senator Murray for demonstrating the leadership we so need. But the spending bill should be permanently rid of all abortion restrictions, including Hyde and Weldon, that punish people of color and those who can least afford the health care they need. It’s vital that affordable and available abortion care is within reach for all people.”