For Immediate Release: March 1, 2012

Washington, DC -- Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) released the following statement today in recognition of Women's History Month:

"As we begin Women’s History Month, we recognize the tremendous progress that our country has made in advancing women’s rights as well as highlight the work still to be done.  Investing in access to quality education, healthcare, and economic empowerment of women and girls are critical to our national security.  Yet discrimination against women’s basic rights have come under acute attack in recent years -- particularly the right to access contraception -- as politicians use women’s rights to turn back the clock. 

“Indeed, it’s hard for me to believe that in 2012, we are arguing about whether large employers like hospitals and universities should be exempt on religious grounds from a requirement to provide contraceptive coverage as a basic element of a woman’s health-benefits package.  It’s even harder for me to believe that a Congressional panel on the topic of contraception invited five men to testify, and excluded the only female witness from speaking.  Meanwhile, violence against women in our country continue to persist at a startling rate – one in four women has been a victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in her lifetime.  Clearly, we need to better understand ways to protect and empower women and girls.

“Today, women still bear the brunt of poverty, war, and famine globally. That is why I support the first-ever U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, proposed by President Obama in December 2011, that prescribes specific ways to empower half the world’s population as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace. 

“In honor of Women’s History Month, join me in celebrating the accomplishments of great women around the world and supporting the next generation of female leaders."

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Follow McDermott on Twitter: @RepJimMcDermott