Federal
ACTION ALERT

Federal
ACTION ALERT

Urge senators to oppose health reform bill
unless and until it complies with current abortion funding laws

 

The U.S. Senate released a manager’s amendment Saturday that paves the way for a vote on its health reform bill on Christmas Eve.  The amendment incorporates a compromise on abortion funding that falls short of existing policy and contrasts with widely-held public opinion. This legislation should not move forward in its current form.

 

Specifically, the manager’s amendment

• does not allow purchasers who exercise freedom of choice or of conscience to "opt out" of abortion coverage in federally subsidized health plans that include such coverage;
• will instead require purchasers of such plans to pay a distinct fee or surcharge which is extracted solely to help pay for other people's abortions; and
• the government agency that currently manages health coverage for federal employees will promote and help subsidize multi-state health plans that include elective abortions, contrary to longstanding law governing this agency.

The bishops vigorously support health care reform that protects life and conscience, provides affordable access and ensures fairness to immigrants.

For more information, click here: www.usccb.org/healthcare
 

ACTION: Send a message to Senators Bill Nelson and George LeMieux urging them to oppose the bill unless and until it complies with current abortion funding laws.