Posted by
Billy on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:40:34 PM
Senators writing a healthcare overhaul bill on Wednesday rejected a bid to strengthen pro-life provisions already in the legislation, in a vote that could have far-reaching repercussions. The 13-10 vote by the Senate Finance Committee could threaten support for healthcare overhaul from some Catholics who back its broad goal of expanding coverage.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, argued that provisions already in the bill to restrict federal funding for abortions needed to be tightened to guarantee they would be ironclad. But his argument failed to carry the day. One Republican -- Olympia Snowe of Maine -- voted with the majority. One Democrat -- Kent Conrad of North Dakota -- supported Hatch.
Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., argued that his bill already incorporates federal law that bars abortion funding, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. It would require health plans to keep federal subsidies separate from any funds used to pay for abortions in all other cases.
(This should be a sign to all of us that those on the left want government health care to pay for the killings of unborn children. It is an outrage that this has happened. President Obama has said abortions would not be paid for by his plan for government health care, if that is the case why did this plan from Sen. Hatch not pass. Read more on this issue by
clicking right here. )