Health
Dodd statement on health care equiality for women
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Oct 8, 2009 - 12:19 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) issued the following statement following back-to-back floor speeches from women Democratic Senators emphasizing the benefits of health insurance reform for women and highlighting the need to provide maternal health benefits as part of that reform. The floor speeches are in response to recent comments from Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) that health insurers should not have to cover basic maternal care since he, as a man, would never need it.

“Health care for everyone means health care for everyone – and I won’t stand for a system that continues to discriminate simply because you’re a woman. A system where women who have been victimized by domestic violence are charged more because they are victims. A system where women are charged more than men for the same insurance. Those who stand for the status quo, stand for this continued inequality.

“It is particularly offensive to suggest that maternal care is less important because men aren’t mothers. My mother needed maternal care, and I want every mother to be able to get that care. And I’m willing to bet that even though women don’t need prostate exams, our wives, sisters, and daughters want us to be able to get them.

“I will continue to stand up to bad ideas and outrageous claims, and I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues to pass strong health care reform that guarantees all women access to the care they need.”

Dodd is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Children and Families. This summer, Dodd led the committee’s consideration and passage of the Affordable Health Choices Act, which would reform our nation’s health care system to make health coverage more affordable and accessible for all Americans.


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