Abortion Rights Campaign Makes A Stop In Philadelphia
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Abortion rights groups rallied in Love Park Tuesday afternoon to demand federal funding for abortions.
Jessica Arons, of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project, says it takes bravery to take on the issue of abortion funding at this time, when abortion opponents have succeeded at curbing access to abortion across the country, but she says the issues are related.
"Not having insurance coverage for abortion care, not being able to afford an abortion procedure just compounds the problem so let's say she finally gets to the clinic, she still has to pay for it so that's why we're working on both," Arons said.
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The group is urging repeal of the 30-year-old Hyde amendment which bans federal funding for abortion. Health reform opponents have claimed the Affordable Care Act eroded the ban but Aarons says the opposite is true.
"It's because of policies like the Hyde amendment that they've been able to restrict private insurance for contraception. The hobby lobby decision is closely related to this issue. They started with abortion and now they're trying to cut out contraception," Arons said.
No opposition was apparent. Even students from Roman Catholic and Hallahan walked past without comment. Still, Arons conceded, the group has a tough fight.
"Because it's been in place for such a long time it's going to take a long time to undo it so what we're doing is laying that groundwork. It's a long-term effort but you have to start somewhere," Arons said.
The rally was part of a road trip that's heading to Washington to press its case.
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