Aug 24, 2009 6:51 pm US/Central
Reality Check: Abortion Enters Health Care Debate
(WCCO)
Health care reform is controversial enough without adding into the mix the most controversial issue of all -- abortion.
Supporters of health care reform say the controversial bill does not allow public funds to pay for abortions. Is that true?
The president said in a conference call last week that the
health care bill won't allow taxpayer-funded abortions. That's technically true but not completely accurate.
"You've heard that this is all going to mean government funding of abortion. Not true," said President Barack Obama. "This is all, these are all fabrications that have been put out there."
That's MISLEADING.
The bill DOES allow
federal funding of abortion in the case of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother. That's been federal law since 1976.
But the proposed bill appears to
expand abortion services through the government-run program called "the public option".
Here's what you NEED TO KNOW.
Millions could choose the public option and qualify for federal aid to pay part of their monthly premiums.
The federal subsidy must go into a separate account so it is not
directly used for abortions.
But the private share of the premiums could be used
for abortion services. And
everyone who joins a public option must pay something so they could indirectly
pay for abortion services they oppose.
And that's NOT THE WHOLE STORY.
The bill allows Secretary of Human Services Kathleen Sibelius to authorize abortion in some cases as a basic medical service. So it's misleading to say the government won't ever subsidize abortions.
That's Reality Check.
To check the resources for this Reality Check, click on the links below.
H.R.3200 - America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009
Hyde Amendment
Abortion Amendment To Health Care Bill
Abortion: Which Side Is Fabricating?
Time: How Abortion Could Imperil Health-Care Reform
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