Planned Parenthood’s President Cecile Richards gave the following statement on the fact that no women were allowed to testify in favor of the administration’s rule on coverage of contraception at a House Oversight Committee hearing on the rule and religious liberty:

“In the latest example how out of touch House Republican leaders are on women’s health, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) is holding a congressional hearing to oppose insurance coverage for contraception, yet not allowing a single woman to testify in support of the benefit.  In fact, Congressman Issa rejected the opportunity to allow a woman attending Georgetown University’s law school to testify about the positive impact the birth control benefit would have on women. 

“Where are the women?  How can Congress hold a hearing about birth control and not let any women speak?

“Birth control is basic health care and used almost universally by women in America.  As a trusted health care provider to one in five women in America, Planned Parenthood believes that women, regardless of where they work, should have access to health insurance that covers preventive health care, including birth control, with no co-pays.”