Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Gillibrand Highlights Difference Between Supporting Women's Rights On Abortion And Making Them A Priority
Without condemning Mr. Biden by name, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York also rejected his deal-making ethos and called attention to his history of taking more conservative positions on abortion rights — including his past support for a ban on federal funding for abortion, known as the Hyde Amendment. Mr. Biden renounced his support for the measure only this month. (Martin and Burns, 6/27)
Then Gillibrand spoke up. “I want to talk directly to America’s women and to men who love them,” she said. On abortion, she said, “when the door is closed and negotiations are made, there are conversations about women’s rights, and compromises have been made on our backs. That’s how we got to the Hyde Amendment,” which bans federal funding for most abortions. “When we beat President Trump and Mitch McConnell walks into the Oval Office to do negotiations, who do you want when that door closes to fight for women’s rights?” she asked. “I have been the fiercest advocate for Roe v. Wade, and I promise you when that door closes, I will guarantee your reproductive rights no matter what.” Gillibrand was making a crucial point. There’s broad agreement on abortion rights across the Democratic field this year — nearly every candidate now supports repealing Hyde and codifying Roe v. Wade in statute, among other changes. But supporting those policies and making them a priority are two different things. And Gillibrand was calling her colleagues out on their commitment to fighting for abortion rights. (North, 6/28)
For all Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s efforts to focus his campaign on the economy and the middle class, he has been unable to escape his past views on more contentious subjects — particularly abortion, which has become one of the defining issues of the 2020 race. (Astor, 6/27)
Throughout the debate, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York frequently interjected and had the night’s longest closing remarks, reiterating her role as the author of a universal healthcare bill and frequent advocacy for women’s rights. (King and Dugyala, 6/28)
In May, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York unveiled her “Family Bill of Rights,” a set of policy proposals aimed at easing the financial strain on parents of young children. The policies, which she said she would enact in her first 100 days if elected president, fits with her campaign’s focus on women and families. (Stevens, 6/27)