(NEW)  senator boxer, thank you for what you are doing for womens rights. i am a 77-yr old women who feels like she is just waking up to the subtle and not so subtle ways we are treated. and im mad. im glad you have the power to be heard and will follow your/our progress going forward.
Nancy, Ventura

(NEW)  And yet again you do not disappoint...as if you ever do. Thank you for standing up for women everywhere. All the best.
Laura, Venice

(NEW)  Thank you for standing up for women's health care and speaking out against the amendment to let employers decide what they considered to be appropriate healthcare. I'm glad you used Jon Stewart's example of how absurd the results of the amendment would be.
Barbara, San Diego

(NEW)  To refer to this defeat as a great accomplishment is chilling. It might be better referred to as a great defeat for religious freedom, a freedom guaranteed by our Constitution. Forcing Americans to pay for insurance coverage that violates their beliefs is reprehensible. Lack of insurance for these services in no way eliminates a woman's right to obtain such services for herself.
Patricia, San Jose

(NEW)  Thank you for being one of the most vocal opponents of the GOP's war on women. I am so disheartened that the vote on the Blunt amendment was along party lines, and so close. What has happened to the GOP? Please know that what you are doing helps us keep our chins up, and helps us keep hoping and fighting for a better day.
Patrice, Topanga

(NEW)  Thank you for standing up for the rights of my wife and daughter. To say that we are pleased with your work as our Senator is an understatement!
James, Citrus Heights

(NEW)  I just wanted to say that you ARE NOT representing your constituents. I put myself through college and paid for my apt, food, car, insurance, contraceptives. I worked hard and still graduated with a GPA of 3.82. I am quite tired of this handout mentality that the dems seem to want to take us in. Sincerely,
Wendy, Malibu

(NEW)  Thank you for fighting against the Blunt Amendment and fighting for women's rights to quality comprehensive healthcare in accord with their own choices, decisions and moral beliefs and values. I was part of the first Womens March on Washington in the early 70's, wish that we didn't have to keep upholding access, equality and equity for women's health services but thankful for principled women like you who stand strong.
Hazel, Berkeley

(NEW)  I am absolutely outraged that anyone would even think to discriminate against providing insurance for women and their families. And to think that Congress would consider something like this is beyond any words that I can express. What could possibly be the motive for doing such a thing? Has Congress even considered the affect this would have on their constituents? I don't know if I should thank you for sending this information or what, because right now this information has my heart racing and my stomach is doing flip flops! Sincerely,
Linda, Fremont

(NEW)  THANK YOU for overturning the heinous BLUNT amendment. He should be ashamed of himself for proposing legislation that so blatantly rips away the rights of a certain group of AMERICANs. Women need to stand up to all of the states' bills that are also threatening out right to govern our own bodies. Best regards,
Carol, Redondo Beach

(NEW)  Thanks very much for your work in defeating the Blunt Amendment. All the females in the family and friends give and send our appreciation for promoting our issues.
Gloria, Vista

(NEW)  Exactly WHOSE family is this a victory for? Certainly not MINE when I am trying to instill in my children the value that all life is sacred. If, as a Catholic employee, I am forced to obtain health insurance that supports the cause of Planned Parenthood and their abortion agenda, I feel like this is certainly NOT a 'victory' for my family. And which women, who actually take the time and pay-cut to work for a Catholic organization, might consider themselves 'victors' when they have to choose whether or not to obtain health insurance that support abortions and sterilizations? Not me.
Audra, Long Beach

(NEW)  It is so disappointing to learn that the Blunt amendment was voted down. This is NOT a victory for women. It is a violation of the right of conscience for those who disagree.
Jacqueline, Santa Ynez

(NEW)  I am writing to thank you for speaking out against the Blunt Amendment. I am a 48-year-old woman and live in San Rafael. It it my opinion that birth control is a crucial part of health care and of course, planning for a family. Until recently, when I was able to start a group insurance plan, I had always paid for my own individual health insurance policy. My experience is that Anthem/Blue Cross would certainly find it morally unacceptable to pay for anything that it could weasel out of, regardless of medical advisability. Sincerely, your constituent,
Courtney, Larkspur

Thank you for being the voice for all women who can't believe that they want to set us back 50 years. Please continue to be that voice of reason.
Mary, Woodland Hills

I want to thank you on behalf of my daughters and myself for your comments on the floor yesterday and your help in defeating this bill. It feels like women are the target this year for conservatives and I am appalled that my daughters have to go through something I thought was behind all of us. Thank you for always standing strong!
Susan, Woodland Hills

I don't agree with all of your views, Senator Boxer, but on the issue of women's health, I stand with you proudly and staunchly. Thank you for representing me, our sisters, and yourself so well and so honorably. You've done us all proud! With the increased attacks on women's liberty, we're going to need your leadership more than ever.
Courtney, Berkeley

My religion forbids abortion but that is between husband and wife to decide. I don't want government in the bedroom. The woman must chose and the decision is hers not the government. Keep fighting. Good luck
Bill, Sunnyvale

Thank you for your vote against the Blunt amendment. Why white haired old men like me think they can dictate anyone's choice of medical care is beyond comprehension.
Jim, Eureka

It just seems so out of touch to provide a mandate for everyone to have medical insurance, and yet not mandate adequate coverage for everyone. No one would consider a health policy for children that didn't include monitoring growth rates and immunizations to be adequate, neither would a policy that did not cover men's erectile dysfunction, yet there are people out there that would think it would be okay to not includes some things because they find it morally objectionable. So, providing health care for 100% of men's bodies while providing health care to only a portion of women's bodies is somehow acceptable and moral? Sounds a lot like that "separate but equal double talk". All health policies must include coverage for 100% of bodies of both men and women regardless of their gender. Employers should never get to choose what the policy should cover. If they all do, then the cost will be mitigated across a much larger pool. A woman's reproductive health is every bit as important and every other part of every human.
Fay, San Diego

Thank you, once again, Senator Boxer, for defending women's rights. What is going on in this country is frightening and disgusting and must stop. I feel like someone has turned the clock back 30 years and we can't allow that to happen.
Judith, San Ramon

As a provider of women's health in my obstetrics and gynecology practice I support advocacy for our patients and against "attacks on women's health" issues by anyone, not just "Republicans". People have become disenchanted with politicians on both sides of the many aisles throughout government not being able to work together to legislate. Perhaps the aisle needs to be removed and everyone learn to work together for the benefit of all constituents. Sincerely,
Thomas, Fair Oaks

Thank you, Senator Boxer, for your strong position to oppose efforts to oppose Obama's efforts to provide contraception availability for all women. It is important to emphasize that it is the Republicans who are preventing Obama from being able to implement the beneficial things we know he stands for.
Carroll and Susanne, Santa Barbara

I totally disagree with your vote today, what the vote was about had nothing to do with women's health services. This vote was continued control by the government over our health service choices and who pays for them. The misinformation provided to the American Public on this issue makes my skin hurt. Any person, man or woman can walk into any pharmacy in American and get contraceptives. You do not need insurance for this stuff. It is a personal choice and the person making the choice should pay for the supplies. You get fire insurance to protect your house from a fire, you do not get insurance to mow your lawn or paint the house those are choices individuals make and have to pay for the supplies. Turning this in to women's health issue is ridiculous. I am sad at how this Country has turned into a nanny state system!
Teresa, San Ramon

I am responding to your recent e-bulletin about the defeat of Sen. Blunt's amendment. Thank you for being such a strong and ardent advocate for women's issues, especially women's health. As a religious Professional and former intern for planned parenthood, this issue is so important to me. I often neglect to jump into the "call you Senator" campaigns because I already know where my senators stand and I am so grateful. But, you should know that there are many women behind you and I am one of them! Sincerely,
Sara, Pasadena

Thank you for continuing to stand up for women and for human beings for access to health care, for respectful treatment of women and those less fortunate than the wealthy who by power and misuse their power out of a perception of privilege. I have created literacy programs, supported human potential, and fought against ignorance as an educator and woman all my life and I simply want to say thank you for standing up over and over again to the bigotry and cruelty of policies created out of religious fervor or wealthy privilege. My deepest gratitude and respect, Leslie, Sonoma

Thank you Senator Boxer for continuing to stand strong when it comes to women's health. These cynical attacks to deny critical health care to millions of women are shameful. Thank you for fighting for a woman and her family's right to make responsible choices concerning parenting. Republicans seem to conveniently forget that the decision to have a child is a serious one and that children lose when people who aren't prepared, ready or capable don't have the means to prevent pregnancy.
Alison, Los Angeles

Thank you for all of you hard work and support for women and families in this unthinkable attempt to eliminate as many rights as possible. The crazy positions and comments coming from these people is not challenged enough.
Diane, Palm Springs

I was more than shocked at the bit of news I heard tonight-due to circumstances and what was broadcast-It sounded like you were equating contraception with illnesses such as diabetes and stroke. Surely there was a problem with editing from the TV News station because is surely put your speck in bad light from my perspective. I do support religious objection to financing abortion and contraception. Women and couples can surely pay for contraception it is a choice- just as abstinence is a choice.
Sheila, Martinez

Great job! Glad to hear about the defeat of the anti-women's health coverage amendment. Please keep up fighting the good fight.
Loren, Los Angeles

It would have been an outrage to women's health care to have allowed the Blunt amendment. I appreciate all that you do to protect reproductive rights and to protect women's rights in general.
Jonee, El Sobrante

Your vote is against our rights--how dare the govt make me pay for contraceptives and take away our 1 st amendment rights all in one vote.We are slowly losing our rights.
Roberta, Claremont

Well done in fighting and prevailing against Senator Blunt's unethical, immoral, and decidedly un-American bill. Keep up the pressure to salvage the American dream. Yours sincerely,
Mark, Ventura

Senator Boxer, after hearing today that the "Blunt" amendment will not go away, I implore you and all of the women in the House and Senate to let the country know what a hypocrisy and double standard this war on women's rights is. Are men covered for vasectomies(which makes it impossible for a man to father a child) in any of those healthcare policies? If so, would that be deemed immoral or sinful by a religious organization? We must not forget, that men can and do purchase condemns at will, also, to not father a child. I am a Christian, and my message for all who support this "Blunt" travesty or anything like it, is "Remove the beam from thine own eye".
Elvira, Norwalk

Since when did getting "contraceptive" for free be categorized as "critical health care services" as you describe in your blatantly misleading e-mail to your constituents!! Can you be more dis-ingenious? Why didn't you honestly portray the fact that you defeated a bill which would allow Religious employers to deny payment for a service based on their fundamental religious beliefs...what happened to "free will" ? If an employee does not or cannot respect the beliefs of their potential religious employer then find another employer!! I am woman who believes in contraception but I respect the religious freedom that our country was founded on!! You need to represent and respect the rights of all of your constituents! Sincerely,
Lori, Carlsbad

As an American citizen and Christian, I am outraged at the passage of legislation requiring health insurance companies and Christian based organizations to provide funding for abortions. Passing this legislation in spite of overwhelming opposition to this bill upsets and concerns me deeply about my elected officials disrespect for the will of the people on this issue. I am disappointed with your vote in favor of allowing this funding to be provided in spite of my disapproval of it, and thousands of other Americans like myself. As a Christian, I believe the sanctity of life. All of life is given by God. Life begins at conception in the womb. Only God has the right to begin and end life. Not man, woman, or any act of Congress should be allowed to overthrow what God has expressly ordained to exist. I urge you Senator Boxer, to prayerfully reconsider your stand on this issue and change your vote on this matter. Thank you for listening to my concerns.
Bruce, Chula Vista

I guess the separation of church and state, as stated in the First Amendment, doesn't mean anything when the Federal Government wants to involve themselves in deciding what the Church can or cannot do for others. I would think that people that are applying for a job at a church or other religious institution would know that institutions stand on contraception. Bad precedent!
Charles, Santa Cruz