U.S. Military One Step Closer to Compassion for Rape Survivors

Shaheen Amendment would allow soldiers’ insurance to cover abortion in cases of rape

New York, NY—Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health Board Chair Douglas Laube, MD, MEd, comments on the Shaheen Amendment, which survived the U.S. House and Senate conference committee process on Tuesday and is due for final votes shortly:

“As a veteran and an obstetrician/gynecologist, I want the best medical care and health insurance for the people who serve our country. We have taken a step closer to that goal with the Shaheen Amendment, which will, at last, allow a member of the military to use her health insurance to cover abortion in instances of rape and incest.

“Since 1981, female soldiers who have been raped have been denied insurance coverage if they become pregnant and decide to have an abortion. These women are forced to pay in full for that care—a financial burden added to the trauma of sexual assault. This abhorrent treatment of our servicewomen will come to an end once the Shaheen Amendment becomes law.”

“Physicians across the country join me in commending Senator Jeanne Shaheen for her leadership and hard work on the amendment, and we thank lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for supporting this important policy change.”

DR. LAUBE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT