Democrats' concerns over abortion may imperil health bil

[Eye]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...110203232.html


The outcome of those talks could be crucial in deciding the fate of the health-care bill. Democrats need the vast majority of their caucus to back the bill, since nearly all congressional Republicans have said they will oppose the legislation.

"I will continue whipping my colleagues to oppose bringing the bill to the floor for a vote until a clean vote against public funding for abortion is allowed," Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) said Monday in a statement. He said last week that 40 Democrats could vote with him to oppose the legislation -- enough to derail the bill.

Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, cast Stupak as "attempting to ban abortion coverage in the private insurance market."

[Eye]

I personally don't see how the can't include it in health coverage...


I've never had an abortion, but I've had several D and Cs. Where do they draw the line on that?

[BubMunkeyBles]

I'm pro-choice, but even I don't think public funding for abortion is okay with me. I don't care if people have them and they are affordable and ACCESSIBLE. But I don't think taxpayers should have to pay for it. JMO.

[Melanie.]

Originally Posted by BubMunkeyBles I'm pro-choice, but even I don't think public funding for abortion is okay with me. I don't care if people have them and they are affordable and ACCESSIBLE. But I don't think taxpayers should have to pay for it. JMO.

I was under the impression that the proper public option was something that one would still pay for like a health insurance company, not like Medicaid or Medicare where it is all paid for by taxpayer dollars. In that case then wouldn't it be considered just another insurance company therefore it would need to have the same coverage as a private insurance company in order to be competitive?

[BubMunkeyBles]

None of the insurances I've ever had covered abortion services.

ETA: I just looked it up and it says 2/3 do. I had no clue. I guess if it's the plan supposed to be run by the government then maybe they should. I don't know. How come Tricare doesn't then? Lame.

[Melanie.]

Originally Posted by BubMunkeyBles None of the insurances I've ever had covered abortion services. ETA: I just looked it up and it says 2/3 do. I had no clue. I guess if it's the plan supposed to be run by the government then maybe they should. I don't know. How come Tricare doesn't then? Lame.

I think it would be covered in the event of a medical emergency situation (life of the mother, some other situations), the health insurance companies I've worked for have allowed it if it weren't an elective service - which is what it sounds like is tentatively being proposed for the public option. I don't know for sure, I have never needed to look.

[Mrz. Robinson]

I really don't understand it

[BubMunkeyBles]

Originally Posted by Melanie. I think it would be covered in the event of a medical emergency situation (life of the mother, some other situations), the health insurance companies I've worked for have allowed it if it weren't an elective service - which is what it sounds like is tentatively being proposed for the public option. I don't know for sure, I have never needed to look.

Oh, it says Tricare covers in emergency type situations. I thought they meant covering elective abortions. I'm 100% confused so will shut up.

[Wicked]

SO IRRITATING. Why must they fight over ONE small thing instead of just passing it already. GEEZ. They are going to continue to leave MILLIONS of people without any health care option because of ONE procedure that most people NEVER GET? Just FIGURE IT OUT! WTF?

I am SO OVER this petty health care fighting when people are SICK in the real world and need some help! I am sick of the Democrats for fighting over STUPID crap, I am sick of the Republicans for refusing to vote for something JUST because Democrats support it. I am sick of Republican threats and Democrat backing down. The whole thing is soooooo juvenile. WTF?

Okay, rant over.

[Jenn026]

I don't really think abortions should be covered aside fromnsituations where carrying a child is dangerous. Elective abortions should be catagorized and covered in whatever way all other elective surgeries are. I believe that this bill does not cover other elective surgeries, so I don't think abortions should be covered.