40th Anniversary of Hyde Amendment a Reminder of its Importance and Critical Bipartisan Success
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 30, 2016 |
CONTACT: Brendan Bradley
Shirley & Banister Public Affairs 703) 739-5920 |
Landmark Pro-Life Legislation Remains a Vital Tool in Protecting Life
Washington, D.C. – Friday, September 30, 2016, marks the 40-year anniversary of the passage of the Hyde Amendment, arguably the most impactful pro-life legislation enacted since abortion was legalized in the U.S. Reflecting on its importance, the March for Life Education and Defense Fund held a briefing on Capitol Hill this week, providing a historical look at the Hyde Amendment and clarifying why it is important to ensure that it remains law.
“The Hyde Amendment is a critical, long-standing policy that has not only been upheld by bipartisan support, but is also supported by a large majority of Americans,” said Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. “Despite this, in recent days, emboldened pro-abortion advocates and politicians including the democratic presidential candidate, have called for an end to the Hyde Amendment.”
Named for Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois, the Hyde Amendment originally passed in 1976, and is annually included in the appropriations bill for the U.S. Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services. The amendment prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for abortion for Medicaid recipients, thereby reducing the incidence of abortion by a staggering 20-35 percent every year. The latest Democratic Party platform calls for the Amendment to be abolished.
“The Hyde amendment is strongly favorable with the American people,” said Mancini. “Sixty-eight percent of Americans, including 69 percent of women and 51 percent of “pro-choice” supporters, oppose the use of public funds for abortion.
At the congressional briefing on Thursday, March for Life revealed the theme of the 2017 March for Life, “The Power of One,” which will focus on how one person can make a difference in building a culture of life. The briefing this week featured Congressman Henry Hyde as an example of the power one person can have in saving lives.
Underscoring the importance of the Hyde Amendment and the popular support pro-life policies have with the American public, March for Life Action released an ad campaign last week in targeted swing states. The ad features five women explaining that 8 in 10 Americans believe that abortion should have real, legal limits. The ad also notes, almost 2/3rds of Americans oppose tax dollars paying for abortion- an important piece of the Hyde Amendment. The ad can be viewed by continuing here.
The 2017 March for Life rally and march will take place on January 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. Founded in 1973, March for Life is the largest pro-life rally in the world, annually held on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, please contact Brendan Bradley with Shirley & Banister Public Affairs
at (703) 739-5920 or bbradley@sbpublicaffairs.com.
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