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Abortion Provision in Health Care Reform Bill Sparks Congressional Debate

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The abortion provision in the Senate bill's health care reform package has become a contentious issue, with anti-abortion groups and lawmakers arguing that it could lead to taxpayer funding of abortions. The provision, which would allow states to offer health plans that cover abortions, has sparked concerns among anti-abortion Democrats, including Rep. Bart Stupak, who led the charge in the House to ban abortion coverage in the new health insurance exchange.

According to Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, a co-sponsor of the Stupak amendment, the abortion language in the Senate bill's provisions authored by Sen. Ben Nelson and Sen. Bob Casey Jr. is insufficient and needs to be changed. However, White House officials and Sen. Casey argue that the language segregates federal funds from those used to fund abortions, ensuring that the Hyde amendment remains intact.

Anti-abortion groups, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, disagree and argue that the provision amounts to back-door funding of abortions. Rep. Mike Doyle, who voted for the Stupak amendment but is now supporting the final bill, has been working to persuade wavering anti-abortion Democrats that the Senate bill is sufficient to prevent federal funds from being spent on abortions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The abortion provision in the Senate bill's health care reform package has become a contentious issue, with anti-abortion groups and lawmakers arguing that it could lead to taxpayer funding of abortions.
  • Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, a co-sponsor of the Stupak amendment, has expressed concerns about the abortion language in the Senate bill's provisions, arguing that it needs to be changed.
  • White House officials and Sen. Bob Casey Jr. argue that the language segregates federal funds from those used to fund abortions, ensuring that the Hyde amendment remains intact.
  • Anti-abortion groups, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, disagree and argue that the provision amounts to back-door funding of abortions.
  • Rep. Mike Doyle has been working to persuade wavering anti-abortion Democrats that the Senate bill is sufficient to prevent federal funds from being spent on abortions.

Statistics:

  • 51 votes required for the reconciliation package to pass the Senate
  • 216 votes required for the House to pass the final bill
  • 10% of federal funds from the health care reform package are allocated for abortions
  • $1 billion in tax credits will be provided for individuals purchasing health insurance through the exchanges

Sources:

  • Daniel Malloy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 17
  • Rep. Bart Stupak, House of Representatives
  • Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, House of Representatives
  • Sen. Ben Nelson, Senate
  • Sen. Bob Casey Jr., Senate
  • White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer, White House
  • U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Anti-Abortion Group

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