CAPPS AMENDMENT PERMITS TAXPAYER FUNDED ABORTIONS IN HEALTH CARE BILL A closer look at the health care reform bill passed by the Energy and Commerce Committee has revealed some troubling news: the Capps Amendment clearly permits taxpayer funded abortions. While the headline of one of the sections in the bill reads "Abortion Coverage Prohibited as Part of Minimum Benefits Package" , the reality is that it does not have the force of law and thus meaningless. The enforceable text is in the explanation of the section. which states that "the plan is not required (or prohibited) under this Act from providing coverage of services".
In other words, abortion coverage is not required, but neither is it prohibited. In fact, each "premium rating area" must offer at least one health care plan that covers abortions and one that doesn't. Essentially, the section will allow health insurance companies to determine the services, which could include abortion. We had a partial victory in the Amendment which ensures that the Act will not preempt state law with respect to restrictions on abortion funding and laws requiring parental consent or notification. Second, it recognized conscience protections for health care workers. |
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