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Continuing her battle to increase access to essential health services, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) this week opposed and spoke out against legislation that would callously restrict women’s access to reproductive health care. This legislation, H.R. 7, would deny tax credits to women and small businesses using private funds to purchase comprehensive health coverage.

“This bill would callously deny access to comprehensive health care for millions of women,” Kuster said this week, speaking on the floor of Congress. “When women are denied the freedom to make their own personal health care decisions, their economic opportunities are diminished, as well. Instead of denying tax credits to women and small businesses seeking affordable health coverage, Congress needs to work together to empower women and increase opportunity.”

In addition to testifying against the legislation, Kuster took part in a rally Wednesday morning with House members and national pro-choice leaders to protest the bill and instruct Congress to focus instead on jobs, economic opportunity, and other critical issues facing the country.

Earlier in the week, Kuster also joined 90 other House members filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the contraceptive coverage requirement included in the Affordable Care Act. The brief, filed in Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores and, as well as Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius, contends the coverage clause does not violate religious freedom and instead helps all Americans access vital preventive health care services.

"The majority of Americans support safe, legal access to abortion and this is especially true in New Hampshire,” said Laura Thibault, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Hampshire. “We are so grateful that Congresswoman Kuster is representing our state's values of trust and respect for women. Women across the state know their voice is being heard in Washington, D.C through the strong leadership of Congresswoman Kuster."

Since taking office, Kuster has worked to protect access to affordable, quality health care for both men and women. Last year, she cosponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would protect a woman's right to determine whether and when to bear a child or end a pregnancy by limiting restrictions on the provision of abortion services.

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