Press Release

Today, Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7) released the following statement after 40 years of the Hyde Amendment:

“As a doctor and as a father, I firmly believe that a woman’s health decisions should be between her and her doctor. Respecting a patient’s autonomy is something I take seriously, as I’ve spent countless hours one-on-one with patients discussing their questions and concerns about their health.

Politicians have no place deciding medical treatment for anyone, which is why I strongly oppose the Hyde Amendment, which denies critical services to women who need them the most and are unable to afford them. No one should be denied access to a health service because of their income.

Instead of dictating choices to women, Congress should be working to improve both access and the quality of healthcare. That’s why I’ve fought against witch hunts in Congress to defund organizations that provide cancer screenings, checkups, and other preventative care services to women. No one’s reproductive decisions should be based on their income, and I look forward to the day when the Hyde Amendment will be history.”