(Washington D.C., Oct. 14, 2011) Leadership at the American Humanist Association is strongly denouncing yesterday’s passage of the Protect Life Act (H.R. 358) by the U. S. House of Representatives. The Protect Life Act seeks to prevent any woman who obtains healthcare through the Affordable Care Act from obtaining an abortion, even if her life is at risk. The bill has been touted by supporters as a way to stop federal money from paying for them under the Affordable Care Act, though provisions within the Affordable Care Act to protect against federally funded abortion coverage already exist.

“The religious right’s influence on Congress has gone too far,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “This bill is not only an extremist affront to women’s rights, but a waste of time and taxpayer money during a critical congressional session.”

The provisions in this bill, which passed 251-172, attempt to override federal emergency care rules by asserting a woman whose life is at risk due to her pregnancy can be refused abortion access on religious grounds. The bill would also stop women receiving coverage with federal money through the Affordable Care Act from obtaining supplemental coverage for abortion services.

“This attack on women accomplishes nothing,” continued Speckhardt. “The infringement upon a woman’s right to choose is a sign of the volatile climate in Washington. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for humanists to speak out against these oppressive measures, and bring morality and reason back to the conversation.”  

The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.

Humanism is the idea that you can be good without a belief in God.

##

For more information, please contact: Brian Magee

Communications Associate

bmagee@americanhumanist.org

202-238-9088