Lee Amendment Undermining Trump-Pence Refusal Rule Passes in 2020 Appropriations Bill
Washington D.C. --- Last week, the Trump-Pence administration finalized a refusal of care rule that would allow virtually any health care entity, provider or worker to use their personal beliefs to dictate patient care. Congresswoman Lee successfully offered an amendment to attack this dangerous and discriminatory rule, now the FY20 LHHS bill that will prohibit funding for the implementation of the rule.
"Women of color - who are more likely to live in areas with hospitals that claim objections to comprehensive reproductive health care – including access to abortion care or birth control – will face even more barriers to care under this rule," Lee said during the committee meeting. Rep. Lee then followed with an impassioned story about her mother nearly losing her life while in labor because of religious objections from doctors because of her race.
In the mark-up session, Lee declared that personal beliefs should never determine the care a patient receives.
"This is truly outrageous," Lee said. "And we know that it is those that already face significant barriers to care that will be affected the most: patients of color, low-income patients, and the LGBTQ community."
The prohibition is now a part of the FY2020 Appropriations Bill and will go to the full House for a vote.