October 2011

Dear Senators,

As social workers, we are committed to bear the responsibility of service to others and social justice for vulnerable populations.  The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics clearly states that “Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources and equality of opportunity for all people”. 

As such, we stand in favor of "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" (HR 3). While some may misinterpret and claim this bill is a debate about abortion itself, let us be clear that it is not.  HR 3 is about Medicaid funding.  This bill has more to do with health care reform and federal funding, than it does about the moral dilemma of abortion.

As social workers, we advocate for the use of our precious Medicaid funds to provide equal and available medical care in women’s health, including preventative care, STD screening, prenatal care and access to affordable birth control. 

We are not commenting on what a woman should or should not do with her body.  But we firmly believe that our limited Medicaid dollars need to be allocated to areas of true medical need.  Pregnancy, after all, is still the consequence of a choice.  We believe that our Medicaid dollars ought to be spent providing services to the poor for prevention or to face medical challenges that they did not choose, such as infection, impairment or cancer. 

As social workers committed to caring for and providing services for vulnerable populations, we stand in favor of “No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act” and encourage you to consider a more fair and appropriate use of our federal Medicaid funds. 

Sincerely,

MHV

Masters of Social Work

University of Southern California