National Council of Jewish Women Celebrates President’s Budget Without Hyde

National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2021

Media Contact: Alyson Malinger, West End Strategy Team
amalinger@westendstrategy.com; 917-935-7311

National Council of Jewish Women Celebrates President’s Budget Without Hyde

WASHINGTON – NCJW CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s first budget, the first time in decades a president has submitted a budget without the discriminatory Hyde Amendment:

“National Council of Jewish Women applauds President Biden for keeping his campaign promise and releasing a budget without the Hyde Amendment and related coverage bans, which for more than 40 years has prohibited Medicaid from funding abortion for people working to make ends meet. Restricting Medicaid coverage of abortion forces one in four low-income women seeking abortion to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term.

“Ending the Hyde Amendment in his presidential budget fits squarely within President Biden’s racial equity and economic justice priorities — also key priorities for NCJW’s mission to improve the lives of women, children, and families. The ability to control family timing and size is essential to allow for economic success, educational achievement, and equality and can help families break cycles of poverty across generations. When a patient cannot afford an abortion, the consequences can be far-reaching: a person who is denied abortion care is more likely to fall into poverty than a person who can obtain the care they need. Lifting the Hyde Amendment and similar bans ensures that individuals can make their own decisions about their families, future, and health with dignity and respect.

“This historic step would not have been possible without the leadership of women of color, who have been organizing in their communities and educating elected leaders on the impact of this policy and why it is unjust.

“At NCJW, we know abortion is safe, essential health care, and accessing these services is a basic human right. While today we celebrate, tomorrow our 180,000 advocates across the country will continue to work with their lawmakers to keep abortion coverage bans, including the Hyde Amendment, out of federal legislation.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 180,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, education, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.