Sen. Brown calls on House GOP to support abortion rights for servicewomen

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) called on House GOP leaders Wednesday to accept Senate language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would give women in the Armed Forces the same access to abortion that civilian federal employees have, such as in cases involving rape or incest.

Brown sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), which said the sexual assault of women in the military is "far more prevalent" than many believed, and that it is critical to provide these women with abortion services similar to those granted to civilian employees.

"It's a simple issue," Brown said on the Senate floor. "Those who are serving in harm's way who are victims of such horrific crimes should be afforded the same rights as citizens they protect."

Brown supported language set forth by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in the Senate NDAA bill, which was approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee. The House has already approved its version of the bill, which does not include that language.

"I would urge you to make every effort to work with your members and ensure that the Shaheen Amendment language passes the House and becomes law," Brown wrote.

A copy of Brown's letter follows here:

June 13, 2012

Dear Speaker Boehner, Leader Cantor, and Whip McCarthy,

As you know, the Senate Armed Services Committee recently considered and passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2013, and it awaits consideration by the full Senate. During committee markup proceedings, I joined with members on both sides of the aisle in supporting the Shaheen Amendment, which would ensure that the women who serve in our Armed Forces are provided the same access to abortion services in cases of rape or incest that civilian federal employees currently have.

Sexual assault of women servicemembers has been recently exposed as far more prevalent than anyone previously thought. The Pentagon believes such crimes are vastly underreported and says about 19,000 assaults are committed every year. Furthermore, women are serving in harm’s way and in dangerous locations. At times, they have no access to safe, non-military health services.  Given their courageous service, they deserve our care and protection. The language of the Shaheen amendment is consistent with the long-standing Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal funding for abortions, except for the victims of rape and incest or when the life of the mother is at stake. Military victims of such horrific crimes should be afforded the same rights as the regular citizens they protect who rely on federal funding for their healthcare. 

The Shaheen amendment passed 16-10 on a bipartisan basis in committee, and I will work with my colleagues to ensure it remains included when the full Senate takes up the defense authorization bill. I am disappointed that the House Armed Services Committee did not include a similar provision in their version of the bill. I would urge you to make every effort to work with your members and ensure that the Shaheen Amendment language passes the House and becomes law. Extending these provisions to our military service women is the right thing to do.

Sincerely,

Scott P. Brown
United States Senator

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