Let’s see, it was a few weeks ago that President Obama assured us that abortion would not be covered under his health care reform plan.
That’s not what happened. The New York Times headline says it all: “Fight over abortion adds to debate on health care.” You can read the story here.
In a nutshell, abortion opponents are fighting with abortion advocates over whether those who receive federal aid to buy health care insurance can receive abortion coverage. About half of all employer-sponsored plans already include abortion coverage. That presents a problem for those who get or retain coverage but might receive subsidies under ObamaCare. The 30-year-old Hyde Amendment prohibits using taxpayers’ funds for elective abortions.
Pro-choicers argue that insurers would separate public subsidies from premiums and co-payments. Abortion charges, they claim, would not come from public subsidies. That’s an accounting line, not an argument, scoff abortion opponents, who argue that it will still be a tax subsidy that allows some Americans an insurance plan that includes abortion.
The vote will be close in both houses of Congress. “The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote this week on a proposed amendment from Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Republican of Utah, to restrict the use of federal subsidies,” reports the Times.
I don’t think abortion rights will survive in any health care insurance bill, and I’m beginning to think no health care insurance bill — at least one hatched only by Democrats — will be passed. ObamaCare is sinking in the latest poll to a point of potential no return.
boj
on Sep 29th, 2009
@ 7:15 am:
Well you could pay $300 for an abortion now, or pay a lifetime of welfare payments.
And then if then if the kid grows up to be a criminal meth head we get to pay for prison.. and perhaps even a death penalty appeal (Which at that point all those pro-lifers magically become pro-deathers)
300 sounds like a good deal
(oh and in case you are wondering I am not a rabid pro-choice person, I just don’t think the govt should be involved)
Nancy
on Sep 29th, 2009
@ 9:03 am:
Boj,
Are those really your thoughts about every unwanted pregnancy? If they are, I hope your are never a parent. What a “glass if half empty” outlook on life. Many unborn babies that were not planned have great futures either through adoption or because of their own efforts. The human will to live and thrive is strong in many of us.
Nancy
on Sep 29th, 2009
@ 9:05 am:
Boj,
Are those really your thoughts about every unwanted pregnancy? If they are, I hope your are never a parent. What a “glass is half empty” outlook on life. Many unborn babies that were not planned have great futures either through adoption or because of their own efforts. The human will to live and thrive is strong in many of us.
boj
on Sep 29th, 2009
@ 12:58 pm:
Actually I have two pretty awesome kids. But I also don’t fault anyone (including my wife) who had an abortion earlier in life. I am also the beneficiary of an adoption since my mother was adopted.
If the woman really feels that an abortion is the best alternative, then the govt and the numerous busybodies need to butt out.
Also when was the last time you saw these pro-lifers out there demand, with as much vigor as they do when blocking clinics, that welfare payments get increased to a livable level and that single mothers be provided a decent place to live and daycare to watch their kids while they work.