In Spite of Hyde: Event Marks 30th Anniversary of Hyde Amendment

By Christine Cupaiuolo — October 16, 2006

Boston-area residents, take note. On Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m., the Center for New Words is presenting “In Spite of Hyde: Women Fight to Access Abortion” at the Cambridge Public Library. From the Center for New Words:

CNW is joining forces with the Eastern Massachusetts Abortion (EMA) Fund to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding (including Medicare & Medicaid) for abortion services. We’ll hear from reproductive justice activist Marlene Fried, stage a dramatic reading of the Amendment in all its ignominy, complete with stories from women whose lives have been directly restricted by the Amendment. And of course we’ll talk about what we can each do to work toward the Amendment’s demise.

OBOS’ own Ayesha Chatterjee, global translation and adaptation program assistant, will read at this event.

“In Spite of Hyde” is co-sponsored by the National Network of Abortion Funds, which this month launched the Hyde — 30 Years is Enough! Campaign.

The Campaign calls for “full public funding of abortion as a part of comprehensive health care for all, and support for low-income women to care for their children with dignity.”

Other organizations participating in the Campaign are listed here, along with information about how you can get involved. Some basic facts distributed by the Hyde-30 Years is Enough! Campaign:

* In 1976, Congress passed the Hyde Amendment, which forbids federal funding for abortion. The only exceptions are in cases of rape, incest, and danger to the life of the woman. Most states have also banned state Medicaid funding for abortion.

* Before the Hyde Amendment, federal Medicaid covered over one-third of all abortions. Since 1977 it has paid for virtually none.

* Congress also denies abortion coverage to military personnel and their families, women receiving care from Indian Health Services, and people on disability insurance.

 

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