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House bill funds abortions
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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said in September, that she was “absolutely” committed to posting the text of the final House Healthcare Reform bill on line for 72 hours before the House is to vote on the measure. Today, the Speaker’s spokesman, Brendan Daly, told THE WEEKLY STANDARD that the “pledge was to have manager’s amendment online for 72 hours, and we will do that." In other words, the final bill will not be available for public review before the House votes (possibly on Saturday).
The question is why wouldn’t Speaker Pelosi want to give the American people an opportunity to read the 2,032-page healthcare bill that will change their lives forever? Is she afraid they might see exactly what is in store for them?
Perhaps Nancy Pelosi is afraid that Americans may have a chance to learn about the “Insurance Rating Rules” portion of the bill which is located in section 213 on page 96, line 16. Here a reader will learn that anyone who is enrolled in the government-run plan will be charged a monthly premium to fund abortions. The premium will be paid into a U.S. Treasury account that will be used to pay for the abortion services.
Section 213 describes how the Health Benefits Commissioner is will assess the monthly premiums that will be used to pay for elective abortions under the government-run plan. The Commissioner must charge at a minimum $1 per enrollee per month.
Anyone who continues to read the bill will find the section named “Abortions for which Public Funding is Allowed” which is located in section 222, on page 110, line 17. This is where readers will find that the Health and Human Services Secretary is given the authority to determine when abortion is allowed under the government-run plan. There is also a requirement that the Exchange includes at least one insurance plan that covers abortions.
A majority of Americans believe health care plans should not be forced to provide elective abortion coverage. A majority of Americans do not believe health care plans should include any type of abortion coverage. There are two amendments that include language that would prohibit the use of federal funds to pay for abortions. The Hyde Amendment prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions under the Medicare and Medicaid programs and the Smith Amendment prohibits federal funding of abortion under the federal employees’ health benefits plan.
With thousands marching on Washington today to protest Obamacare, it would stand to reason that more time is needed to create a common-sense solution to healthcare reform.
The Republicans in the House offered a 230-page solution earlier this week, complete with TORT reform and the ability buy/sell health insurance across state lines. The Republican version also protects the dignity of all human life and prohibits any federal funds from being used to pay for abortions. Being in the minority, the chances this proposal will see the light of day, are slim.
