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The backlash from Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl's remarks about his "not needing maternity insurance" could be detrimental not only to his own future but to that of his state colleague in the Senate, John McCain.
Dozens of local mothers descended on the office of Republican Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona Wednesday to denounce what they say are sexist attitudes held by Kyl and the Republican Party in general. The demonstration was organized by Phoenix area mothers.
Kyl was speaking in opposition of a proposal that would have required employers to include basic maternity care in the benefits package offered to employees.
Kyl says, "I don't need maternity care. So requiring that on my insurance policy is something that I don't need and will make the policy more expensive."
Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, for whom he made the remark, reminds Senator Kyl that "his mother DID".
Representative Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat of Arizona, said at the Phoenix protest, "This is just outrageous. When Senator Kyl scoffs at the importance of maternity care, it begs the question, who does he represent?"
"Women all over Arizona are paying for health insurance policies that do not include maternity care," she said. "Senator Kyl and Republicans seem to be against everything these days, including something as basic as medical care after a woman gives birth."
Kyl is an outspoken opponent of legalized online gambling.
Payton O'Brien, Gambling911.com Senior Editor
