Will Ab-Only Retire With Obey?

Written by Wendy Norris for RHRealityCheck.org - News, commentary and community for reproductive health and justice.

The nation's capitol is swirling today with talk of the impending retirement of another veteran lawmaker. The surprise announcement by Rep. David Obey (D-Wisc.), however, could have major implications for reproductive health champions. 

As chair of the House Appropriations Committee Obey's holds sway over billions of dollars in annual federal health and human services funding.

For reproductive health advocates, Obey's 16-year stint on the committee, and three years helming it, the Wisconsin Democrat's retirement is bittersweet.

His legacy of marshaling support for comprehensive reproductive care, health research and HIV-AIDS support services has been marred by funding ineffective abstinence-only-until-marriage programs girded by controversial and medically inaccurate religious views.

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