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Steele Orders End to RNC Abortion Coverage

'Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose'

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 13, 2009 6:24 AM CST

(Newser) – An embarrassed Michael Steele has ordered elective abortion to be stripped from services covered by medical insurance offered to RNC employees. The ban, prompted by a Politico report yesterday that abortion coverage has been included in RNC policies since 1991, brings the RNC in line with what the Republican Party has been fighting for in the health care debate.

"Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose. I don't know why this policy existed in the past, but it will not exist under my administration," Steele said in a statement. "Consider this issue settled," he said, although pro-choice advocates and outraged right-wingers, some of whom are calling for the RNC to return donations made since 1991, seem unlikely to let it rest.

Chairman Steele had already called for an official review of our health insurance policy along with a number of other operational items, an RNC memo said.
"Chairman Steele had already called for an official review of our health insurance policy along with a number of other operational items," an RNC memo said.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Michael Steele speaks after being  elected Republican National Committee chairman earlier this year.
Michael Steele speaks after being elected Republican National Committee chairman earlier this year.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Newser001
Nov 14, 2009 9:46 AM CST
They weren't clueless - They, the party of hypocrites.
Stasis
Nov 13, 2009 12:48 PM CST
The RNC. What happens when you give Jethro and Billy-Bob power.
divetrader
Nov 13, 2009 12:41 PM CST
Join the RNC! Where choice is not a given.

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