Progressive groups launch campaign to fight GOP’s ‘War on Women’

By Sahil Kapur

WASHINGTON – A trio of progressive and women's groups will unveil a new front in their ongoing campaign Friday afternoon calling on House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) to "stop the war on women," Raw Story has first learned – a reference to the anti-abortion measures Republicans are advancing.

The abortion-rights organization NARAL has joined forces with the women's group EMILY's List and MoveOn.org to mobilize activists against what they call a "war on women currently raging on Capitol Hill." The three groups will mobilize their supporters and gather signatures to deliver to Boehner on Tax Day in a show of opposition to a provision in the bill that may conceivably permit IRS agents to audit women who had an abortion due to rape or incest.

"Talk about putting government in our bedrooms!" said EMILY's List President Stephanie Schriock, calling the measure a "major intrusion into the private medical decisions" of women. "Boehner's Boys will hear from Americans across the country with one clear message: Stop the War on Women. Now."

The heart of the campaign is to express disgust for H.R. 3, a top GOP priority called "The No Taxpayer For Abortion Act," which beefs up restrictions on abortion access in the United States. The bill has secured the votes necessary for passage on the House floor, and has been successfully maneuvered through theJudiciary and Ways And Means Committees.

"Americans have had it," said NARAL president Nancy Keenan, "and are spurring into action against Speaker Boehner and the 221 co-sponsors of H.R. 3, who will face a public backlash from all over the country come Tax Day and beyond."

"This bill is invasive and reckless," added MoveOn director Kat Barr. "So it's no wonder so many Americans have spoken out in strong opposition to it, and to Speaker Boehner's war on women."

H.R. 3 eliminates employer tax deductions on employee health insurance plans that cover abortion. The GOP stripped out some of its most controversial provisions -- such as denying exemptions to a woman even in cases of rape, incest and when her life is in danger.