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Anti-Abortion Groups Attack Health Reform

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 22, 2009 9:42 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Anti-abortion groups are launching a full-scale assault on health reform plans, contending that current proposals include an “abortion mandate” and would spend taxpayer money on the procedure, Politico reports. The first claim is based on a plan to federally mandate a basic set of procedures insurers must offer. Abortion isn’t considered likely to end up in that package, but foes want it explicitly excluded.

Federal money would likely fund abortions, in a round-about way, since most private plans cover the procedure, and the government would offer individuals subsidies to purchase private plans. The campaign, which launches tomorrow, is backed by Christian conservative groups like Focus on the Family. “We just realized how urgent the situation was,” said the leader of one group, “what was at stake.”

Anti-abortion supporters demonstrate outside Denver's Pepsi Center before the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
Anti-abortion supporters demonstrate outside Denver's Pepsi Center before the 2008 Democratic National Convention.   (AP Photo)
Abortion opponents pray during a memorial for abortion deaths at Operation Rescue's headquarters, June 20, 2009, in Wichita, Kan.
Abortion opponents pray during a memorial for abortion deaths at Operation Rescue's headquarters, June 20, 2009, in Wichita, Kan.   (AP Photo)
Abortion opponents attend a rally on the National Mall in Washington, Jan. 22, 2009, before marching to the Supreme Court to mark the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade march for Life.
Abortion opponents attend a rally on the National Mall in Washington, Jan. 22, 2009, before marching to the Supreme Court to mark the 36th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade march for Life.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 22 comments
Silverbow7
Jul 23, 2009 11:34 AM CDT
Not so. My mother and aunt flipped a coin as to which one would go in first to abort and my aunt 'won.' My mother chickened out when my aunt had to be taken to the hospital after the butcher almost killed her. They were not legal then... A confession from my aunt before she died.
Toon
Jul 22, 2009 11:27 AM CDT
So sorry that you have such a poor view of your parents, but remember that legal or not women have always gotten abortion, so even though you may not have been planned your mother still chose to carry you rather than seeking out an illegal abortion.
Toon
Jul 22, 2009 11:21 AM CDT
The crazy thing is that 'pro-life' people have abortions at the same rate as every one else. Imagine being the woman holding the sign and having had an abortion.

 
health care • abortion • health insurance • Focus on the Family • health care reform • insurance providers • House Democrats • anti-abortion activists

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