Recent controversial comments remind Montanans of Rehberg’s wrong priorities

Congressman helped pass measure that ‘jeopardizes women’s health’

BILLINGS, Mont.—Recent controversial comments against women are reminding Montanans of Congressman Dennis Rehberg’s wrong priorities when it comes to women’s health care and the right of women to make their own health care decisions.

Rehberg last year helped pass H.R. 3, a measure the National Women’s Legal Center called a “dangerous bill” because it “punishes private health decisions by imposing tax increases on millions of individuals and small businesses.”

“[Rehberg’s bill] also jeopardizes women’s health by not allowing for exceptions even when a woman faces serious, permanent health risks,” said Marcia D. Greenberger, co-President of the National Women’s Legal Center.

Rehberg’s bill would hurt women across Montana because, according to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, it “goes far beyond any other proposal ever introduced in Congress to take health care coverage away from women.”

Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said Rehberg’s bill “would put the lives of women with life-threatening pregnancies in danger.”

The original legislation changed the definition of rape to “forcible rape”—a very controversial provision that may have limited protections for rape victims.

“Congressman Rehberg’s wrong priorities violate Montana women’s right to make their own health care decisions,” said Holly Kaleczyc, chair of Women for Tester. “Time after time, Dennis Rehberg has done his part to push controversial bills that trample on women’s rights, and Montana deserves better.”

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