Want to talk about blackmail or even worse kidnapping for ransom? Because that is what one misguided representative in the House of Representatives is doing to the delicate procedure being discussed among Democrats to pass a health reform bill. He is willing to torpedo the entire effort if he does not get his way on language prohibiting the use of federal money to fund abortions. As the price of stopping legal abortions in the US, abortion foes are willing to cause the foreseeable death of thousands of Americans who cannot afford health insurance. The Senate bill already contains provisions against using federal money to fund abortions, but Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) says the language is not strong enough. He has the backing of conservative Catholic bishops, despite the fact
the Catholic Hospital Association thinks the Senate provisions are adequate. Stupak says the Senate bill allows
the indirect use of federal funds for abortions since poor people may receive federal subsides to buy health insurance. The Senate bill does allow private insurance policies offered in the exchanges to provide abortion coverage. After several arguments he had been using to not support the reform effort had been addressed by changes in language, Stupak is now making an argument that is
basically false. The Senate bill even requires that private policyholders seeking abortions to pay separately in advance for abortion services. Speaker Pelosi is understandably frustrated with Stupak, saying "This is not about abortion. This is about providing quality affordable health care for all Americans." Given the size of egos which perform on Capitol Hill, grandstanding for personal gain is a commonplace. If you are from Rep. Stupak's district and want affordable health care in America, call and tell him to get real not re-elected.
