Feinstein Statement on Justice Department Denial of Care to Undocumented Women

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement in reaction to the Justice Department’s appeal in a case involving a 17-year-old undocumented woman in government custody who is pregnant:

“It’s appalling that the Trump administration believes women—undocumented or otherwise—don’t have the right to control their own bodies and make their own health care decisions.

“Jane Doe went to court and was granted approval to obtain an abortion, but the Justice Department cruelly appealed that decision, forcing this young woman to continue her pregnancy against her will while she is in government custody.

“It’s also concerning that this isn’t an isolated case. Administration officials have directly intervened in several cases similar to this young woman’s, blocking these women from reproductive health providers—and even their own lawyers.

“Young women don’t lose their right to make their own health care decisions just because they are in government custody, and we have an obligation to treat these women with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

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