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Nineteen House Democrats write to Speaker Nancy Pelosi to say that healthcare reform must avoid ushering in government-funded abortion.
June 25, 2009
Dear Honorable Pelosi:
As the debate on health care reform continues and legislation is produced, it is imperative that the issue of abortion not be overlooked. Plans to mandate coverage for abortions, either directly or indirectly is unacceptable.
We believe in a culture that supports and respects the right to life and is dedicated to the protection and preservation of families. Therefore, we cannot support any health care reform proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan. We believe that a government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan, should not be used to fund abortion.
Furthermore, we want to ensure that the Health Benefits Advisory Committee cannot recommend abortion services be included under covered benefits or as part of a benefits package. Without an explicit exclusion, abortion could be included in a government subsidized health care plan under general health care. The health care reform package produced by Congress will be landmark, and with legislation as important as this, abortion must be addressed clearly in the bill text.
Furthermore, funding restrictions save lives by reducing the number of abortions. The Guttmacher Policy Review, a leading pro-choice research organization noted "that about one third of women who would have had an abortion if support were available carried their pregnancies to term when the abortion fund was unavailable."
Thank you for taking the time to consider our request. By ensuring that abortions are not funded through any health care reform package, we will take this controversial issue off the table so that Congress can focus on crafting a broadly-supported health care reform bill.
Respectfully yours,
Reps. Dan Boren (D-OK); Bart Stupak (D-MI); Colin Peterson (D-MN); Tim Holden (D-PA); Travis Childers (D-MS); Lincoln Davis (D-TN); Heath Shuler (D-NC) Solomon Ortiz (D-TX); Mike McIntyre (D-NC); Jerry Costello (D-IL); Gene Taylor (D-MS); James Oberstar (D-MN); Bobby Bright (D-AL); Steve Driehaus (D-OH); Marcy Kaptur (D-OH); Charlie Melancon (D-LA); John Murtha (D-PA); Paul Kanjorski (D-PA); and Kathleen Dahlkemper (D-PA).
I never understood what the big deal about abortion is. It is not your business what goes on my body and I personally think it is crazy that people are trying so hard to outlaw abortion. I even think it is insane that people are still arguing about it. Jesus.
*rolls eyes*
Pregnancy is a MEDICAL condition and one that is between the woman and doctor and whoever else she decides to involve.
And you are right about one thing. Abortion funding will be a road block because they're all just going to sit there and argue and argue and argue and argue and argue and argue....well...you get the point. LOL.
I support the right for a woman to chose (or chose not to) have an abortion. However, if it's her choice, she should be the one to pay for it, not the taxpayers. Same with cosmetic surgery, Viagara, or birth control-people have to take some responsibiltiy to provide for themselves, and not expect the taxpayer to provide for their every whim.
Abortion, like any other medical procedure should be covered by the new insurance program. Eliminating one procedure for political reasons allows any procedure like a vasectomy or reconstructive surgery to also be banned because they are controversial or unpopular.
Allowing political whims to control what is covered is a very bad idea.
I support the right for a woman to chose (or chose not to) have an abortion. However, if it's her choice, she should be the one to pay for it, not the taxpayers. Same with cosmetic surgery, Viagara, or birth control-people have to take some responsibiltiy to provide for themselves, and not expect the taxpayer to provide for their every whim.
Agreed. If the govt isn't going to pay for the childbirth (which is ludicrous, just look at California) then they shouldn't being paying for abortions.
Abortion, like any other medical procedure should be covered by the new insurance program. Eliminating one procedure for political reasons allows any procedure like a vasectomy or reconstructive surgery to also be banned because they are controversial or unpopular.
Allowing political whims to control what is covered is a very bad idea.
So lipo, face lifts, implants, teeth whitening, hair plugs, etc should all be covered under UHC as well?
You're right. But what % of abortions come from a bad decision? I'd be willing to bet at least 90%.
Drunky happens.
Probably >95%
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