From: Nita and Shaunna, Ultraviolet

Right now if a woman in the military is raped, insurance will not cover her abortion–a ban more restrictive than the federal Hyde Amendment. That’s wrong and the “Shaheen Amendment” would end this ban. Will you sign the petition asking Congress to pass the “Shaheen Amendment?”
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/364?t=2&akid=232.6000.ILGhpW

Dear Readers,

This week we have a big opportunity to do right by servicewomen, but it’s going to take all of us speaking out together–and quickly.

Here’s the deal: Right now, if a woman in the military is raped and becomes pregnant, her insurance will not cover the cost of an abortion if she chooses to have one. She would have to pay for it out-of-pocket.

In 2011 over 471 rapes were reported in the military and the reality of sexual assaults is MUCH higher–the Pentagon estimates only 13.5% of military rapes are reported.1 And most of these women make around $18,000 each year–meaning that if they end up pregnant as a result of a rape, it could end their military careers if they can’t afford an abortion on their own.2

Earlier this year, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed the “Shaheen Amendment” that would end the ban on abortion coverage for rape survivors in the military with bipartisan support. But conservatives in the House are blocking it.3 Now, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is back in front of Congress.

A vote could happen any day–so we need to speak out right now and tell Congress they must pass the “Shaheen Amendment.” Can you sign this petition asking Congress to pass the “Shaheen Amendment” to end the ban on abortion coverage for servicewomen who are rape survivors? We’ll deliver your comments to Congress this week.

Add your name to the petition
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/364?t=3&akid=232.6000.ILGhpW

The ban on abortion coverage for servicewomen is even more restrictive than the federal Hyde Amendment that bans federal funding of abortion for civilians. Even the Hyde Amendment allows for exceptions in the case of rape and incest.4

Our servicewomen sacrifice everything for our country. And rape in the military is a very serious problem. They deserve to have insurance coverage for abortion if they become pregnant as a result of a sexual assault. We should not get in the way of our servicewomen’s rights to make their own personal, medical decisions–especially when they are sacrificing so much for all of us.

Take Jessica Kenyon, who was serving in the military in Korea. She was raped by a fellow soldier and became pregnant. Because of the ban in place now, she could not find an affordable and safe abortion where she was stationed. And as a result of trauma from her rape, she was discharged from the military, and eventually had a miscarriage.5

This week we have an opportunity to do better by the women who fight for us. Let’s be sure to speak out.

Add your name to the petition
http://act.weareultraviolet.org/go/364?t=4&akid=232.6000.ILGhpW

Thanks for speaking out!

–Nita, Shaunna, Kat and Karin, the UltraViolet team

Sources

1. House GOP Blocking Abortion Access for Raped Soldiers, Mother Jones, June 13, 2012

2. Ibid

3. What is the Shaheen Amendment? Stand with Servicewomen

4. House GOP Blocking Abortion Access for Raped Soldiers, Mother Jones, June 13, 2012

5. Senator Shaheen Champions Access to Reproductive Healthcare for Servicewomen, National Women’s Law Center, June 14, 2012