Kaine Statement on Women’s Health Protection Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement after voting in favor of the motion to proceed to the Women’s Health Protection Act:
“I am a cosponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act and voted yes on the motion to proceed to the legislation. While I am convinced that the bill can be improved by a full floor debate and amendment process, it is necessary.
Like many Americans, I am personally pro-life but support the core holding of Roe v. Wade — that women should be able to make their own decisions regarding reproductive health without unreasonable government interference. This is a fundamental matter of conscience and, like many other such matters, is not one that should be dictated by the state.
This same logic explains why I remain a supporter of the Hyde Amendment. Just as I believe it is wrong for state laws to force women to carry a pregnancy to term against their will, I also believe it is wrong for the state to compel pro-life Americans to support abortions through their tax dollars. I believe that codifying Roe v. Wade and maintaining the Hyde Amendment strikes a balance in respecting the choices Americans make regarding abortion. Nothing in the Women’s Health Protection Act would undermine the Hyde Amendment.”
The Women’s Health Protection Act would protect a woman’s right to choose and prohibit state governors or legislatures from imposing unreasonable restrictions on accessing abortion services.
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